Oregon Issues Statewide Two-Week Freeze
Today, November 13th, Governor Brown announced a statewide two-week freeze that will be in effect November 18th through December 2nd.
The statewide two-week freeze issues the following:
- Restaurants will be limited to take-out only.
- Gyms and fitness organizations will be closed.
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings will be limited to no more than six people total, and from no more than two households.
- Faith-based gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 25 people indoors, or 50 people outdoors.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies will be set to a maximum of 75% capacity, along with retail stores and malls.
- Indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, indoor pools and sports courts will also be closed.
- Outdoor recreational facilities, zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools will also be closed.
- Businesses should urge working from home as much as possible.
- Indoor visiting in long-term care facilities will be prohibited.
Governor Brown stated that personal service providers will remain open with the strict guidelines previously issued by the Oregon Health Authority, and statewide parks and playgrounds will also remain open. Moreover, if schools continue to meet the previously issued metrics, they will remain open as well.
While the two-week freeze will be in effect statewide, Governor Brown warned that counties such as Multnomah will have this freeze in effect for at least four weeks and individuals should be prepared for the freeze to be even longer than that.
COVID-19 Related Travel Advisories Issued for Oregon, Washington and California
Today, November 13th, Oregon, Washington and California issued travel advisories for visitors entering these states and for those returning home from travel outside these states due to increased cases of COVID-19. These travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, and urge individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days after travel.
Specifically, the travel advisory for Oregon states:
- Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.
- Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.
- Essential travel includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
- Oregonians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to Oregon.
Cascade will continue to monitor COVID-19 related news and we will keep you updated as new information is released. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!