Every Oregonian is now required to wear a mask when indoors at public places
“Face coverings that cover your nose and mouth play a critical role in reducing the spread of this disease because droplets from our breath can carry the virus to others without us realizing it,” said Gov. Kate Brown in a June 29 news release. “I do not want to have to close down businesses again like other states are now doing. If you want your local shops and restaurants to stay open, then wear a face covering when out in public.”
Two state agencies have issued guidance documents all small-business owners need to be aware of:
- The Oregon Health Authority’s Statewide Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance, which includes the responsibilities of business owners and the responsibilities customers have.
- Oregon OSHA’s Oregon OSHA COVID-19 Workplace Advisory Memo (6.27) on what to do when customers or employees aren’t wearing masks.
“I do not want the local police issuing tickets,” the governor said at July 1 news conference. “Instead, I’m calling upon our businesses to step up and help ensure that the public and their employees are protected.”
In an article about the news conference in The Oregonian, “Brown said the state is working with the business community and state agencies on education and information before moving to enforcement. But she said if a business ignores the rule, officials stand ready to follow complaints “using all the tools available to ensure enforcement.”
On July 2, the governor announced a Mask is Just a Mask public awareness campaign, the video from which can be seen below.
