GOVERNOR BROWN ANNOUNCES UPDATED
COVID-19 RISK AND PROTECTION FRAMEWORK

Limited outdoor tasting room operations may resume Dec. 3

This afternoon, Nov. 25, Governor Brown unveiled a new statewide “Risk and Protection Framework” outlining guidelines and requirements for personal activities and commercial operations to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The framework, which replaces the previous phased reopening plan, outlines four levels of risk that will be determined on the county level. Risk levels will be reassessed every two weeks.

The Governor’s COVID-19 website has links to tables detailing the exact metrics by which county risk levels are determined and the current risk status of counties statewide. The next update of risk levels will take place next Monday, Nov. 30.

Notably, for the 21 Extreme Risk counties in which the majority of Oregon’s winery tasting rooms are located, restricted outdoor tasting and dining will again be permitted beginning Thursday, Dec. 3. The guidelines for outdoor service in Extreme Risk counties specify:

Maximum of six people per table
No more than two households per table
Outdoor structures including tents must be open on three sides
Maximum capacity of 50 people
Must close by 11 p.m.

Additional details on the governor’s announcement have been shared by the Oregon Wine Council and the Oregon Winegrowers Association.

Click the image below to view the full framework; winery tasting rooms fall under the Activity category of “Eating and Drinking Establishments.”