Today, Governor Brown announced an update to the temporary rule requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or testing for healthcare providers and healthcare staff in healthcare settings. By October 18th or 6 weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later, COVID-19 vaccinations will now become mandatory, and testing will no longer be an option for healthcare providers and healthcare staff in healthcare settings
The Governor announced that this change is due to the fact that there are not enough resources for weekly statewide COVID-19 testing. It is currently unclear if the temporary rule requiring full vaccination or testing for healthcare providers and healthcare staff will be enforced after the September 30th compliance deadline or if only the vaccine requirement will be in effect on October 18th or 6 weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later.
The Governor also ordered the Oregon Health Authority to issue a rule requiring vaccines for all K-12 school teachers, educators, staff and volunteers.
We are expecting more information to be published related to the applicability of the temporary rule noted above prior to the September 30 compliance deadline. Cascade is actively monitoring this situation and will keep you updated with any new information.