Oregon Health Authority has revised its face mask guidance

Alongside its daily COVID-19 update on Monday, Oregon Health Authority included an update to its face mask guidance.

Rising coronavirus numbers have caused a more restrictive guideline for Oregonians, which can be enforced via fines in accordance with Executive Order 20-27 from Oregon Governor Kate Brown.

The new additions to the mask mandate include anyone visiting or working in a business, those responsible for indoor spaces open to the public, those responsible for outdoor spaces, public and private workplaces, and many situations involving the general public.

• See also:
  • Coronavirus-infected Trump halts American COVID-19 relief
  • A new face mask is now available for people with beards
  • Johnson & Johnson pauses coronavirus vaccine trials following patient sickness

“The guidance now requires that people wear face coverings in all private and public workplaces including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and workspaces, unless someone is alone in an office or in a private workspace,” said the Oregon Health Authority.

So far, Oregon has seen almost 40,000 cases of coronavirus and nearly 650 deaths. Negative tests in the state have surpassed 745,000. In recent weeks, the numbers have begun to rise again.

“COVID-19 is surging again. Oregonians can lower the risk to themselves, their families and their communities by wearing a mask, keeping 6-feet away or more from others, avoiding gatherings and limiting engagements, [and] washing your hands often.”