The Oregon Health Authority on Tuesday clarified a question it gets a lot – what is considered “outdoors” when it comes to restaurant dining.
It may be instructive to Lincoln County establishments which have converted or created “outdoor” space as state coronavirus restrictions swing back and forth between takeout only and inside dining. Because of a spike in COVID-19 cases, the county is currently in Oregon’s “extreme” risk category, limiting restaurants and bars to takeout only or “outside” dining.
“Some businesses, like restaurants and bars, have put up temporary structures as weather protection,” the agency said in a special statement. “Some of these structures allow for airflow and are safer alternatives than being inside, but some don’t allow enough airflow and can be as dangerous as sharing indoor air.”
So, in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the OHA said it’s important to understand what “outdoor” means in its guidelines.
So, the OHA said Tuesday — outdoor means any open-air space with at least 75 percent of the square footage of its sides open for airflow. Outdoor spaces may have a temporary or fixed cover, like an awning or roof.
A fully enclosed tent or structure does not allow enough airflow to protect against virus transmission, and therefore is not allowed under state guidelines, the OHA said.
