People walk along Southeast Commercial Street during the first phase of Salem’s reopening on Friday, May 22. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Residents of Marion and Polk counties will be allowed to stay out in bars later and even go to swimming pools starting on Friday, June 19. But they’ll also need to bring along face coverings when going into many public places.
Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday afternoon that both Marion and Polk counties would be allowed to enter the second phase of her reopening plan after much of the economy was shuttered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the second phase, movie theaters, bowling alleys and churches can open. Bars and restaurants can stay open until midnight.
Marion and Polk counties were approved for the first phase of the reopening last month, meaning restaurants could offer limited dine-in services and salons and barbers could again cut hair. The counties will enter the second phase Friday, June 19.
Brown has also instituted a requirement that residents of Marion and Polk, as well as other counties in Phase 1, wear face coverings while in indoor public spaces, including grocery stores and other businesses.
In a statement, Brown said she anticipated that the new few weeks would be difficult and that her office will be monitoring data. She noted the increased supply of personal protective equipment, testing and contact tracers. But Brown warned that she could reverse course if hospitalizations spike or the health care system’s capacity is threatened.
“Our entire ability to reopen and stay open is dependent on whether each of us follows basic health and safety protections,” she said in a statement. “Stay home if you feel sick, wear a face covering, keep six feet of distance, avoid crowds, and wash your hands regularly. We truly are all in this together.”
This story is developing and will be updated.
