Gov. Kate Brown implored Oregonians to stop crowding public spaces during spring break Sunday because of concerns about spreading the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

But she did not issue an order for people to stay home, though officials and health workers in the state have asked her to take that action.

“On Friday night,” the governor tweeted Sunday morning, “I asked all Oregonians, on the eve of spring break, to stay home and stay healthy."

“Unfortunately,” she added, “our trails and beaches were packed this weekend.”

Brown admonished Oregonians who disregarded her earlier instructions to “stay home and stay healthy.”

Some Oregon beach towns reacted Saturday to the influx of visitors by asking them to leave.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Brown verbally directed Oregonians to stay at home. But she has not issued a formal order, which has placed her at odds with local officials and medical professional groups.

“I know this is difficult for everyone,” Brown said in her twitter thread. “But, these actions are necessary to save lives. Please stay at home. It’s a matter of life or death.”

As of Saturday, 138 people in Oregon had tested posted for COVID-19 and four people had died. By Sunday, a fifth death was reported and the total number of cases stood at 161.

The governor also acknowledged this is likely just the beginning for Oregon.

“We just have to look to Washington, California, and New York to see the storm that is coming," she wrote. “But we still have time to change its course.”

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker

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