Oregon will lift state mask requirements no later than March 31, maybe earlier

(FEBRUARY 11, 2022) Oregon health officials have news. The state will remove general mask requirements for indoor public places by March 31. This includes many schools, but some places, such as public transportation, will still require masks.

Oregon has a low number of COVID-19 cases compared to the nation. Over the past week, the average number of new cases dropped about 40% in Oregon. Recent data continues to show a downward trend. State officials expect hospitalizations will do the same throughout February and March.

However health officials warned that these changes depend on keeping masks for a few more weeks. Dr. Dean Sidelinger works for Oregon Health Authority. He says, “We’re likely to see as many cases on the way down from the Omicron peak as we saw on the way up. That means we need to keep taking steps to prevent more hospitalizations and deaths.” He suggests vaccines and boosters while maintaining social distancing.

Health officials might lift the indoor mask requirement earlier if hospitalizations decline sooner than expected. Once requirements are lifted, employers and businesses may continue to have their own mask requirements. Some local governments might also have different rules.

Health officials say that high-risk individuals should continue to wear masks in indoor public settings after mask requirements are lifted. This includes people who are:

• unvaccinated

• immunocompromised

• at high risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations, including those with underlying health conditions and those 65 and older