County-specific face covering guidance issued

Today Governor Kate Brown issued official guidance regarding the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces for Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Polk, Hood River and Lincoln counties, effective Wednesday, June 24. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting those businesses.

The guidance applies to businesses including grocery stores, gyms and fitness studios, pharmacies, public transit agencies, personal services providers, restaurants and bars, retail stores, shopping malls and ride-sharing services. In counties that have entered Phase 2 of reopening, the guidance also applies to swimming pools, indoor entertainment facilities, indoor venues and indoor recreational sports facilities.

Under the new guidance, businesses must require employees, contractors, volunteers, customers and visitors to wear a mask, face covering, or face shield unless an accommodation or exemption applies. For example, face coverings are not required in restaurants and bars while eating or drinking, or at swimming pools while swimming.

Children under 12 years of age, as well as people with a disability or a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering, are not required to wear one. (This guidance applies to customers and visitors of businesses and is separate from the guidance and recommendations regarding children in schools.)

Acceptable face coverings can be cloth, paper, or disposable, including bandanas and homemade masks.

Counties not included in the face coverings guidance may request to opt in at any time.

Celebrating dad safely this Father’s Day

We know a lot of people are looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day this Sunday, June 21. As Oregon starts to reopen, it may feel like things are back to normal. The reality is, we still have to be careful to avoid spreading COVID-19. Keep in mind that people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of complications. If your dad is in a high-risk group or is not part of your household, you may want to make some adjustments to your regular Father’s Day activities.

Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate your dad safely:

• Small outdoor barbeque: If you want to show your dad your grill skills with a small gathering and he’s not in your household, make sure to spread out and give each other plenty of room.
• Play a game: For some friendly competition, play an online game with your dad or get outside for a round of golf if it’s available in your area.
• Take a virtual tour: Visit National Parks, tour Europe, or swim through a coral reef, all without leaving your home. Explore your dad’s favorite destination safely.

Whether you choose to celebrate from a distance or with a small family gathering, just make sure to do it in a way that keeps your dad safe and healthy.

Oregon reports 206 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 188, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 206 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 6,572.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (23), Coos (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (3), Hood River (2), Jefferson (4), Klamath (12), Lane (3), Lincoln (31), Linn (1), Malheur (1), Marion (20), Morrow (5), Multnomah (49), Umatilla (24), Union (6), Wallowa (1), Washington (17).

Oregon’s 188th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 3 and died June 10, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.