Oregon Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Spaces and Schools Lifted on March 19th
Today, the Oregon Health Authority announced that Oregon will lift mask requirements for indoor public places and Oregon’s schools on March 19th. As we alerted earlier this month, OHA announced that the general indoor mask requirement would be lifted by March 31, with the option of lifting it sooner if COVID-19 numbers decreased.
Oregon is strongly recommending that people in high-risk groups continue to wear masks in indoor public settings after the mask mandate is lifted. High risk individuals include those who are unvaccinated; immunocompromised; have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of complications; are 65 or older; or who live with someone in one of those categories.
Once the mandate is lifted, employers may choose to continue to require masks in their workplace, or when performing certain types of work. For example, an employer may choose to require masks when employees will be working for long periods of time in close proximity to each other, or in positions with high public contact.
Whether an employer chooses to end its mask requirements or continue with a mandate in some capacity, all employers should update their policies to align with their practice.
Oregon State of Emergency to be Lifted on April 1st
Today, Governor Brown also announced that Oregon’s State of Emergency will be lifted on April 1st. Governor Kate Brown declared Oregon’s State of Emergency on February 7, 2020, which granted broad authority to state resources toward combating COVID-19 in Oregon. It is important to note that most of Governor Brown’s executive orders regarding COVID-19 were rescinded on June 30, 2021.
The announcement also clarified that “safety requirements in place today regarding masks, vaccinations for K-12 educators and staff, and vaccinations for healthcare workers do not rely on the state of emergency declaration––instead, they are covered by state or federal agency administrative rules issued under existing non-emergency state or federal authority.”
Cascade is actively monitoring these issues and will provide additional information as we learn more.
Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for more information and resources to prepare for compliance.