Crook County among 15 moving to ‘Extreme Risk’; weekly vaccination clinics continue
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Due to an increase in local cases in Crook County and an increase in hospitalizations across the state, Crook County has been identified as one of 15 counties across Oregon moving back up to Extreme-Risk Category starting at midnight Friday morning.
Crook County will remain at this level for one week, at which time the data will be reevaluated and if necessary, remain at this level for up to a maximum of 3 weeks, followed by a state re-evaluation of the situation.
The increase in cases in Crook County has been identified mostly as local social gatherings, health officials said. There have been very few workplace outbreaks or travel related cases.
Since the end of February, cases have continued to go up, with the total number of cases the week of April 18th – 24th being 66. This is the second-highest number of cases in Crook County since the beginning of the pandemic.
This risk level change comes with the existing guidance for Extreme Risk, with one exception – restaurants, bars and outside venues may now have up to 100 people served outdoors, instead of the previous maximum of 50. It has been identified that spread is not happening outdoors as much as indoors. The county will be required to follow the guidance for Extreme Risk, which can be found on the Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 website at:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3461.pdf
What this means for local business, such as restaurants and bars is that indoor dining will be prohibited and outdoor dining will close at 11 p.m. Restrictions still apply around social distancing, mask wearing and capacity for business such as retail sales and indoor and outdoor entertainment.
The increase in cases is not isolated to Crook County; there has been an increase seen across the state. This makes it even more important for the Crook County community to continue to consider getting vaccinated, which will continue to make the community a safer place for everyone, officials said.
The Crook County Health Department is still actively holding public vaccination clinics at the Crook County Fairgrounds every Tuesday for the COVID vaccine and at this time everyone 16 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Please be aware that Pfizer is the only approved vaccine for 16–17-year-olds. The clinic is mostly by appointment only, with one exception, Tuesday May 4th from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm the Pfizer vaccine will be available for a walk-in clinic for youths over the age of 16. The clinic will not be open to the general public during this time.
The schedule is opened on Thursday each week for the following Tuesday. This is to ensure enough vaccine is available. To schedule your appointment please visit our online scheduler at:
Where else can I get my vaccination in Oregon?
Contact your medical provider and schedule an appointment
Contact the local Crook County Pharmacies
BiMart Pharmacy
Clinic Pharmacy
Rite Aid Pharmacy
Visit the Crook County Health Department web site for other options
Please visit the Crook County Health Department website for regular updates. What’s available on the website?
Link to the online schedule simplybook.me and other vaccination sites around Central Oregon
Links to State, Local and Federal sites for more information about COVID-19
For more information or general questions, the Crook County Health Department is here to refer you to the right place to get answers - Office: 541-447-5165
