Immunity, vaccine success = Time to open Capitol

By Oregon Senate Republicans,

Immunity Rate Suggests a Safe Reopening of the Capitol
The Capitol should be open to the public by April 21

SALEM, Ore. – On March 3rd, OHA Direction Pat Allen testified before the House Committee on COVID-19 that by April 21, Oregon should have received enough vaccines to vaccinate 70% of the adult population. This follows on the Governor and Director Allen repeatedly saying that the supply of vaccines is what is keeping us from vaccinating every eligible person who wants a shot.

According to the best available data and experts, herd immunity is reached when at least 70% of the population are vaccinated or otherwise immune to COVID-19.

Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Lyons) released a statement about what the data means for reopening the Capitol building to the public:

“If herd immunity isn’t the benchmark for giving Oregonians full access to their democracy, I don’t know what is. I am calling on the Presiding Officers to develop a plan to reopen the Capitol by April 21.

“An April 21st timeline would allow 70% of the population to receive the vaccine. When natural immunity is accounted for, we should be well over the 70% threshold for herd immunity. April 21 is a completely reasonable expectation for reopening the building.”