From Now On, the Oregon Health Authority Will Disclose Locations of COVID Outbreaks of 5 or More Cases - Willamette Week

Starting tomorrow, the Oregon Health Authority will announce the locations of all new outbreaks of COVID-19 that involve five or more cases.

"Effective immediately, OHA will publicly report all past and future outbreaks that involve five or more COVID-19 cases in a workplace setting, no matter where the outbreak is located," the agency said in a statement released long after normal business hours.

The agency announced the abrupt policy shift at 8:36 pm on the same day WW reported the name of the latest large workplace-related COVID-19 outbreak—this one at Townsend Farms, a large fruit growing and processing operation headquartered in Fairview in East Multnomah County.

Related: The Source of the Mystery COVID-19 Outbreak in Multnomah County Is Townsend Farms. .

WW reported Thursday morning that the outbreak was at Townsend Farms, and also reported there had been an outbreak at the same business involving 30 cases earlier this month.

Last month, The Oregonian reported on major COVID-19 outbreaks at senior care centers around the state, prompting OHA to begin regular disclosure of outbreaks at congregate living facilities.