ORLA Applauds Governor’s Vaccination Incentives to Reopen Oregon’s Economy

​Hospitality Operators are Encouraged to Help Staff Get Vaccinated 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2021

Contact:
Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs, ORLA     
503.851.1330 | [email protected]

Wilsonville, OR– Governor Kate Brown’s announcement today that once 70% of the state’s residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine she’ll eliminate most statewide restrictions meant to thwart the spread of the disease, is welcome news to Oregon’s hospitality sector.

“Oregon’s hospitality industry has been repeatedly hammered by the openings, closings, and changes to how we can operate over the last 13 months,” said Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs for ORLA. “Hearing the plan for Oregon’s restaurants to be able to fully reopen and welcome back guests gives hope to those who have remained closed since the beginning of this pandemic and those who have struggled to remain open and keep people employed.”

The Governor’s plan includes the lifting of limits on seating capacity for restaurants, bars, and other venues previously impacted by the risk levels. It also means no counties would remain under the current risk level tiers based on rates of infections.

Physical distancing and face-covering mandates while indoors may still be in place for some time. The Governor has stated she will follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as to when face coverings may no longer be required.

“ORLA is encouraging restaurants to help employees find vaccination sites for themselves and their families,” said Astley. “The sooner we can meet the goal of having 70% or more of Oregonians partially vaccinated, the sooner we can open back up our dining spaces and welcome guests back in to share food and make memories with their families and friends.”

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The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which before COVID-19 provided over 180,000 paychecks to working Oregonians.