(Portland, OR)  --  A two-week "social pause" mandate takes effect today for Multnomah and eight other counties experiencing serious spikes in COVID-19 numbers.  Governor Kate Brown announced the pause last week in an effort to combat the recent rise in cases.  Clackamas and Washington counties were added to the list on Monday.  Residents in the affected counties are being asked to limit social gatherings to their immediate households or no more than six people at a time.  Residents are also being asked to limit their social circles to the same six people for the next two weeks.  The mandate also pauses long-term care facility visits and encourages businesses to allow employees to work from home as much as possible.  The pause will last through November 25th.