Mask & Distancing Mandates No Longer Required

Effective today, June 30, face covering and distancing rules are eliminated in alignment with the full reopening of our economy. Governor Brown’s announcement last Friday was welcome news to Oregon's businesses ready to open back up at full capacity.

Earlier this week we received confirmation from OR-OSHA Director Michael Wood that mask and distancing mandates will be eliminated (with certain exceptions, including health care, public transit, and airports).

However, not all of Oregon OSHA’s COVID-19 requirements are going away immediately. "For the rule addressing all workplaces, examples of measures that will remain in place longer include optimization of ventilation, notification of a positive case in the workplace, and proper steps to take if an employee must quarantine."

Here's more information to pass along:

• OSHA's Press Release 6.30.21
• Rule Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks
• Appendices to the Rule

ORLA has received several questions from members regarding rule updates. Here are a few FAQs that were confirmed:

• Is OSHA lifting its requirements for employees to wear masks as well? Yes; If an employee chooses to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering even when it is not required, the employer must allow them to do so.
• Is the closing time as of June 30 going back to pre-covid times where bars can close at 2:00 am if they choose? Yes.
• Does this mean plexiglass is no longer required where there was an inability to physically distance? Yes.
• Are employee health screenings also being eliminated with the rollback of COVID-19 restrictions? Yes, the employee health screening requirements were rescinded.
• How about requirements for employees to quarantine if they exhibit symptoms, etc.? Since we will not be screening employees anymore, are we simply waiting to see if they voluntarily report symptoms and then still following CDC guidance for quarantining? Yes, employers still need to ensure employees quarantine IF the employer knows about it.
• Will condiments now be allowed back on bars and table tops? Yes.
• Will the Oregon Lottery be the lifting of the curfew tonight and keep machines on until 2:00 am? Yes. The Oregon Lottery has already made the system change.

ORLA will continue to work with Oregon OSHA as part of their rules committee to continue addressing the details involved with unraveling the remainder of the COVID-19 directives.

As always, you can reach out to your ORLA Regional Representative for questions.

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