Masks no longer required indoors, in most public settings where vaccination status is checked
Following the CDC’s announcement last week, the Oregon Health Authority released new guidelines on mask requirements for businesses. Under the updated guidance, people who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors, in most public settings where vaccination status is checked.
The guidance says if a business or employer chooses to no longer require masks and physical distancing, the business or employer must require visitors to show proof of vaccination and review the proof of vaccination. In that case, a business would need to have a policy for checking the vaccination status of customers and employees if they are not wearing masks.
“Unfortunately, this new guidance isn’t very helpful for Oregon’s small businesses – and again puts them in a no-win situation,” said Anthony Smith, NFIB Oregon State Director. “They can redirect staff away from their regular duties to start scrutinizing vaccine cards, and take on the additional liability concerns that comes with that, or they can continue to require masks for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Either way, the state is asking our small businesses to be the bad guys.”
Oregon residents no longer need to wear masks outdoors, whether vaccinated or not. But masks are still required in a number of public places such as on public transportation and in schools, hospitals and clinics, homeless shelters, youth and adult correctional facilities, and long-term care facilities.
Small business owners in Oregon can visit Oregon Heath Authority for more information.
