Governor Kate Brown will hold a press conference today at 11 am to provide an update on Oregon's response to the COVID-19 surge of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Yesterday the state kicked off a new pandemic risk rating system, in which 25 counties—including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington—were deemed "extreme risk." While restaurants and bars in these counties have been allowed to re-open outdoor dining, gyms, museums, and other indoor facilities have been ordered to shut down until daily COVID-19 case counts scale back.

As 2020 nears its end, Brown has been increasingly pressed for answers about hospital capacity, financial support for small businesses, unemployment benefits, and an extension of the current eviction moratorium set to expire on January 1. Oregon advocacy groups and lawmakers, including Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek, have urged Brown to announce a special legislative session to address the continued crises related to the pandemic before the end of the year. Brown will be joined at today's press event by representatives from the Oregon Health Authority, and a lot of inquisitive reporters.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE HERE, AT 11 AM: