[Updated Feb 28] Gov. Kate Brown announced that the state’s indoor mask mandate for employers and public spaces will end March. 12.
Just last week, the state had announced that the mandate would end March 19. On Friday, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided new guidelines for mask use. The CDC now recommends indoor mask use for most people only in places with high rates of COVID transmission and hospitalization.
Gov. Brown made today’s announcement in concert with Washington and California. The joint press release attributed the three-state shift to falling case rates and hospitalizations.
Though the mandate will end March 12, the state’s permanent COVID rule governing workplaces, adopted in December, remains in effect.
Today’s announcement does not apply to mandates in health-care settings. Meanwhile, employers may adopt their own mask requirements to protect employees and customers.
[Feb 24] The Oregon Health Authority announced today that its indoor mask mandate for businesses and public spaces will end March 19. OHA had announced earlier this month that the mandate would end no later than March 31 and could expire sooner if COVID-related hospitalizations fell below 400. The agency estimates that the hospitalization threshold will be met by March 19.
Even after the mandates are rescinded, the OHA has noted, employers may adopt their own mask requirements to protect employees and customers.
Though the mandate will end next month, the state’s permanent COVID rule governing workplaces, adopted in December, remains in effect.
Today’s announcement does not apply to mandates that apply to health-care settings.
Information provided by Oregon Business & Industry
- OregonLive article: Oregon will end indoor and schools mask mandates March 19
- Pamplin article: Oregon mask mandate will be lifted March 19