Yesterday, Governor Brown announced a return to statewide indoor mask requirements beginning tomorrow, Friday, August 13.
You can view a press release with more details here or watch the full press conference here.
This mask requirement does not include other, more stringent, requirements that impacted many businesses in 2020 and 2021, including restrictions on business capacity. Read on for answers to common questions around this new guidance:
Key points to know:
- The requirement applies broadly to people in all indoor public spaces, masks are strongly encouraged in crowded outdoor situations
- Adults and children older than five
- Common sense exemptions apply for activities that would be impractical or impossible wearing a mask, examples include:
- Eating and drinking
- Swimming and organized competitive sports
- Performances involving singing or speaking in public
How will the requirement be enforced?
As with prior pandemic requirements, Oregon OSHA will be the agency responsible for enforcing the mask requirement. OSHA has been directed to pursue an “education-first approach” and will not conduct inspections or issue fines immediately as businesses implement the new mask guidance.
I continue to meet regularly with state and local enforcement agencies, including OSHA, the OLCC, and Deschutes County Health. If you have questions about enforcement, please get in touch. I’m happy to share questions or concerns anonymously if needed.
Where can I get masks for my business?
If you need masks, please reach out by emailing bendforbusiness@bendoregon.gov. The City of Bend purchased a large supply for businesses in 2020, we’ve distributed approximately 175,000 masks to local businesses and still have plenty available at no cost to you. I’ll find a time to meet you at City Hall to get you what you need.
We also have a limited supply of other PPE including gloves, sanitizing spray and wipes, and touchless thermometers. If you need any of these items, please include details in your email.
I know this new requirement is concerning, there was no indication from the Governor’s press conference that additional requirements or closures are looming at this point. While it feels like we’re taking a step back after two steps forward, pandemics do end at some point. This one will too.
Thank you for doing business in Bend,
Ben
Ben Hemson
Business Advocate
City of Bend
541-323-7151
bhemson@bendoregon.gov
@BendBizAdvocate
