Pools, theaters, bowling alleys close in Oregon’s Malheur County on Idaho border

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has restored restrictions to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Malheur County, along the Idaho border.

The county, whose largest city, Ontario, is across the Snake River from Fruitland and Payette, is a popular destination for near-border Idahoans seeking to avoid sales taxes — Oregon has none — and for Boise-area users to buy marijuana, which is legal in Oregon.

The county is the third eastern Oregon jurisdiction to have restrictions tightened because not enough progress has been made, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

That means swimming pools, movie theaters, bowling alleys and recreational sports leagues were shut down, effective Monday, Aug. 17. Outdoor gatherings are now capped at 50 people, down from 100.

The restrictions will remain for at least three weeks.

“Over the past month, COVID-19 cases in Malheur County have risen so much that restrictions must be put back in place or we risk further illnesses and death in the region,” Brown said in a statement. “I know this change is difficult, but immediate action is necessary in order to reduce the spread of the disease and protect all those who call Malheur County home.”

Brown allowed many counties to reopen May 15 but warned she would restore restrictions if necessary. Brown last month ordered Umatilla County back into stay-home status and moved Morrow County back into phase.

Since the pandemic began, Malheur has recorded more than 850 confirmed or presumed infections and at least 15 deaths. Malheur has the third most confirmed or presumed infections per capita, behind only Morrow and Umatilla.

The county had been on Brown’s “Watch List” since July 3, indicating that without progress restrictions could be restored.

The Idaho Statesman contributed.

This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 4:00 AM.