Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said her new order, taking effect July 1, requires people ages 12 and older in Oregon to don a mask whenever they’re in a public indoor space, such as grocery stores, gyms and shopping malls.
Repeatedly in recent weeks, Oregon has broken records for the number of new coronavirus illness cases. Brown hinted that the new statewide requirement could be a last-ditch measure against surging numbers of new cases and hospitalized patients over the past 30 days.
She originally had ordered face coverings in public indoor spaces for seven counties, with Clatsop County opting to join in. On Monday, she expanded that order to all 36 counties. Here is information from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about face coverings.
Cover your nose and mouth entirely.
Brown has not gone as far as the governors of some other states, including Washington and California. Both of those governors require masks to be worn outdoors when people can’t stay at least 6 feet from others. Brown’s order applies only in indoor public spaces.
Even while masked, maintain safe distancing.
There is a safe way to remove the mask.
Brown took action before the July 4 holiday weekend as Oregon cases surged and modeling from the Oregon Health Authority released last Friday warned residents should prepare to see “exponential growth” in coronavirus infections in the next three weeks -- with roughly 900 to 5,000 new daily infections possible under moderate to pessimistic models.
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Liz Merah, a spokesperson for the governor, said Brown will continue to make an exception for children younger than 12, as she had in her earlier order. The governor, however, is “strongly recommending” that anyone over age 2 wear a mask, Merah said.
When asked if the governor will continue an exception for people with medical conditions, Merah said in an email that some “accommodations” in accordance with disability laws will be allowed. But Merah didn’t elaborate.
A few people should not wear a facial covering.
Read the latest studies on face masks and prevention of spread of illness.