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From the Oregon Health Authority:
Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority leaders announced on Wednesday that indoor mask use will be mandatory starting Friday, Aug. 13, in response to surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
On July 27, in response to a large jump in cases and hospitalizations and the emergence of the delta variant, OHA recommended universal mask use in public indoor settings.
Now, that recommendation will become a rule. The rule is forthcoming.
Gov. Brown’s announcement comes on the same day that Oregon is reporting a record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations for the second day in a row.
“Wearing a mask should give you confidence that you are not infecting others,” said Gov. Brown. “Masks are also our best bet at keeping our schools and businesses open.”
The new masking mandate, which will go into effect this Friday, will be posted as soon as it is available.
“The delta variant now accounts for almost every newly reported COVID-19 case,” said state health officer Dean Sidelinger, MD. “If you are unvaccinated, the risk of being sickened by the virus or ending up seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 has never been greater.”
Gov. Brown urged Oregon residents to trust the effectiveness of the vaccines and to schedule an appointment if they had not done so already. If you are unvaccinated, you can search for and schedule vaccine appointments here. Asante employees can schedule an appointment through MyChart or walk into an urgent care clinic in Medford or Grants Pass.
Health care workers required to get vaccinated or undergo routine testing
On Aug. 4, Gov. Brown announced that she would direct the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to issue a new rule outlining required health and safety measures for personnel in health care settings.
“The more contagious delta variant has changed everything,” said Gov. Brown. “This new safety measure is necessary to stop delta from causing severe illness among our first line of defense: our doctors, nurses, medical students and frontline health care workers.”
Following her announcement, Oregon Secretary of State posted OHA’s newly drafted rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination or testing for health care providers and health care staff in health care settings here.
The new rule emphasizes the importance of having fully vaccinated health care providers and health care staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect patients and providers alike.
The new rule specifically states, “In order to work, learn, study, assist, observe or volunteer in any health care setting health care providers and health care staff must:
- Be fully vaccinated; or
- Undergo COVID-19 testing at least weekly, by molecular or antigen detection for any week the provider or staff person intends to be present at a health care setting, on a schedule established by the health care provider’s or health care staff person’s employer, contractor or responsible party, or in the case of a self-employed health care provider, on their own schedule.”
You can read more about the new rule here. Asante leaders will be sharing details on staff testing in the coming days.
Masking still required in health care settings
On June 25, Governor Brown signed Executive Order 21-15, which eliminated most pandemic-related restrictions (many of which have now resurfaced in the wake of Oregon’s recent surge in COVID-19 cases). However, the Executive Order also outlined where COVID-19 restrictions would remain in place.
Specifically, the Order states, “There will be some specialized settings like healthcare, public transportation, correctional facilities, and certain other congregate settings where enhanced COVID-19 precautions will be necessary for an additional period of time, following federal guidance.”
Accordingly, the Mask, Face Covering, and Face Shield Requirements for Health Care Offices was updated on June 30 to reflect the need for continued COVID-19 precautions in health care settings.
The document states, “While the Governor has rescinded many of the Executive Orders, the declaration of emergency remains in effect and masks are still required in health care settings… In addition, health care offices are must continue to follow all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements related to masking, including Oregon-OSHA rules addressing COVID-19 workplace risks.”
You can read the full details of that guidance here.
Get vaccinated
All three COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective in preventing severe COVID-19 infection leading to hospitalization. If you are 12 or older, visit OHA’s Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon webpage to schedule your vaccine appointment today.
If you have a question, please contact the author or relevant department directly.
