Oregon Gov issues executive order telling citizens to stay home

Mar 24 2020, 8:02 pm

Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown took to the podium on Monday night, telling citizens they have officially been ordered to stay at home, with the exception of “essential” activities.

“I am issuing a new executive order further requiring social distancing measures because we know this is the most effective way to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this virus,” Brown said. “I hope everyone in Oregon abides by its core message: Stay home unless absolutely necessary.”

On the heels of Washington State invoking a “shelter in place” order, Oregonians will now be required to stay in isolation, especially if social gatherings cannot permit a minimum safe distance.

“Staying home both keeps you safe from infection, and ensures you do not unknowingly infect others,” said Brown.

The executive order includes regulations on all non-essential social and recreational gatherings. Stating that “gatherings of members of the same residential household are permitted.”

Included in the list of rules is the immediate closure of and attendance to all shopping locations in specific categories of retail. Arcades, barbershops, hair salons, gyms and fitness studios, skating rinks, theaters, and yoga studios are listed among the shuttered businesses.

Also closed are playgrounds, public and private sporting courts, and skate parks.

Notably, a failure to comply with this order will be considered “an immediate danger to public health” and those found to be doing so could be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor.

“This order is designed to flatten the curve over the coming weeks, preserving scarce hospital space and equipment. It will also ensure that any place of business that remains operational does its part to enforce social distancing rules,” said Brown. “It is designed to be more sustainable over time, to allow Oregonians to keep their jobs when their work does not add to the growth of COVID-19 in Oregon.”

Gov. Brown’s order went into effect at 12:01 am on Tuesday, March 24.

Wyatt FossettWyatt Fossett

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