As Oregon coronavirus cases rise, new restrictions loom

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the coronavirus cases continue to rise in Oregon, health officials are considering new restrictions in an effort to slow the spread.

Two Oregon counties, Umatilla and Morrow, had to move backwards in their reopening plans on Friday. Both counties have moved back to phase one of reopening as the virus has spread dramatically in those areas over the past month.

On Thursday, Multnomah, Marion and Hood River counties were added to the governor's coronavirus watch list. This means that the Oregon Health Authority will increase its communication and resources in these three counties.

Governor Brown says there could be dire consequences if the virus continues to spread throughout the state. She's considering restrictions on tourism for those coming out of state.

RELATED:8 Oregon counties with 'alarming' rise in coronavirus cases placed on watch list

State health officials are carefully eyeing 10 Oregon counties for signs of spread.

KATU News spoke to Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury on Friday, who told us she is working with neighboring Washington and Clackamas counties. She says closing businesses can only do so much, because health officials have linked a lot of cases to social gatherings.

"The approach of closing businesses and restaurants only goes so far," Kafoury said. "Especially right now, when we’re seeing a lot more spread among extended family and social networks These are the areas that each on of us controls."

OHA says it is considering options to limit other types of gatherings. In Washington, the governor introduced rules that impacted weddings. In Oregon, Gov. Brown capped indoor get togethers like dinner parties at 10 people.