Oregon mask mandate lifting Saturday
This Saturday Oregon will lift its indoor mask requirement. Originally scheduled to change on March 19, Gov. Brown announced in conjunction with the governors of California and Washington Washington that their state’s indoor mask requirements will expire 11:59 PM on March 11. The State of Oregon also will lift mask mandates for K-12 school campuses at the same time.
Additionally last week, the Oregon Health Authority said that they would be putting a “pause” on quarantining for the general public. This means that the state will no longer recommend contract tracing those that were in close contact with someone that tested positive for COVID-19 nor have them quarantine away from others. They are still recommending that those that test positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate for five days then wear a mask for an additional five days. They are also still recommending quarantine measures in high risk-settings such as prisons, jails, and health care settings.
K-12
Following the state’s lead, 4J, Bethel, and Springfield Public Schools will remove mask requirements next Monday, the first school day after the state mask mandate expires. All of the school districts will also stop its quarantining policies for those that come in contact with someone that tested positive.
Higher Education
The University of Oregon announced that they would be making masks optional on most parts of campus starting Saturday, March 19, the first day of spring break. The university will still require mask in health care settings as required by law. The university had already removed most contact tracing during the Omicron surge.
Lane Community College has not made any announcement regarding the future of masks. As of this writing LCC is still requiring everyone to wear masks indoors and recommending to quarantine when in close contact with someone that tested positive for COVID-19.
Entertainment
The Hult Center for Performing Arts announced on Monday that they no longer masks or or proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for entry March 12.
Transportation
On Thursday, the Transportation Security Administration renewed the mask directive to last through April 18. Therefore, masks will still be required on Lane Transit District busses, and other public transit, through at least that date.