As COVID-19 cases fall, Gov. Brown, health officials urge staying local over holiday

(Update: Adding video)

Notes previous holidays, social gatherings have led to surges in cases

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Kate Brown and state health officials called on Oregonians Friday to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 over the Labor Day holiday weekend, to keep Oregon on the path to reopening more schools for in-person instruction and keeping businesses open.

Brown noted that previous holiday weekends have caused the state's COVID-19 numbers to spike, urging Oregonians to stay local and avoid large gatherings that could spread the disease.

“We’ve seen three times now how get-togethers among family and friends during holiday weekends have led to surges in COVID-19 infections, taking our progress backward.

“It happened after Mother’s Day weekend. It happened after Memorial Day, and after July 4th when we saw an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

“So I ask you: as you make your plans for Labor Day: please don’t let your fatigue with these restrictions take us away from our collective goal of reducing infection and preventing deaths. We’re in this together. The more we all follow good safety practices, the safer you and your family will be,” Brown said.

The governor emphasized making smart choices as we enter the Labor Day weekend:

• Stay local as much as possible.
• Stay small — limit gatherings because we know they can dangerously spread COVID-19, especially among those without symptoms who unknowingly spread this disease.
• Stay outside — if you decide to get together in small groups, do it outdoors where your risk of getting infected is lower.
• Stay safe by covering your face — wear a mask or face covering as it will protect you and the people around you.
• Support local businesses — it’s one of the best things you can do for our economy and your fellow Oregonians right now.

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said the case counts have shown a drop in cases for four straight weeks, though the number of deaths rose last week.

"We're on a path toward sustainably flattening the curve," Allen said, but added, "It's not just about flattening the curve -- it's about keeping it flat."

State epdiemipologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger said one key milestone was reached in that now, each confirmed case is generating less than one other case, the so-called "reproductive number" -- and that is why case counts are declining.

But COVID-19 has proven itself to be very contagious and spread very quickly. "It wouldn't take much to see cases spike again," Sidelinger said.

On another topic, Brown called for an end to the violence in Portland as Oregonians continue to call for racial justice and police accountability.

“Our country’s worst moments were defined by fear and hatred. And our greatest are defined by peace, understanding and justice," she said. "The only way through this is if we all work together."

Also, noting the continued wildfire danger across Oregon due to hot and dry weather, Brown urged Oregonians to do their part to prevent human-caused wildfires, by following burn bans and practicing fire safety.

Governor Brown’s full remarks are available here.

A recording of Governor Brown’s press availability is available here.