US state Oregon calls for stay-it-local Memorial Day weekend amid COVID-19

SAN FRANCISCO - Oregon's Governor Kate Brown on Thursday was joined by 26 mayors from across the US state in urging residents to keep it local this Memorial Day weekend in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Together we are asking all Oregonians to please keep it local this Memorial Day. Be good neighbors this weekend -- stay local and stay safe," Brown said in a jointly-signed statement.

The statement suggested a backyard barbecue or a small family gathering as the best way to stay healthy during the holiday weekend. "If you want to get outdoors, find a place to hike or bike or paddle close to home. And, please, wear a face covering when you are around others," it added.

The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time for Americans to get outside, travel to their favorite vacation destinations, and welcome the return of summer.

Oregon has begun the phased process of gradually reopening its communities and economy. "Phase I counties worked hard to make sure they have the hospital capacity to treat COVID-19 patients from their communities, and the ability to test, trace, and isolate new cases," said the statement.

"But those resources will be quickly overwhelmed if visitors flood Oregon's reopened communities this weekend and unknowingly spark a COVID-19 outbreak," it warned.