Oregon Governor Kate Brown said at a press conference Tuesday that the two-week freeze prevented a surge in COVID-19 cases, and asked Oregonians to continue measures to stop the spread of the virus.  Brown says thanks to Oregonians making changes to their plans and respecting safety measures, the state did not see the Thanksgiving holiday spike they feared, but it needs to continue through Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said the state’s new COVID-19 cases dropped by 11% last week.  Brown also said Oregon’s educators and school staff members are essential workers, and should be included in “Phase 1B” of the state’s vaccine rollout, saying it “will help ensure we are making learning environments as safe as possible.”