Oregon health officials lift outdoor mask mandate, effective immediately

by | Nov 23, 2021 | News

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The outdoor mask mandate has been officially lifted, as the Oregon Health Authority announced Tuesday it is no longer in effect. Officials base their decision on recent efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

“This decision, which takes effect immediately, reflects the overall progress we have seen on the COVID-19 front here in Oregon,” Oregon Health Authority director Patrick Allen said in a statement. “And it is a testament to the perseverance of all Oregonians in faithfully adopting the public health interventions we know are effective in containing the spread of the disease.”

Oregon has been the only state that requires a face-covering in public settings outdoors, with Washington requiring it only for outdoor events attended by 500 or more people. Following the Delta surge, the mask requirement was implemented in Oregon in August in crowded outdoor areas. California, New York, and Connecticut still require masks indoors for those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.

To date, regardless of their vaccinated status against COVID-19, only a handful of places in the US still require most people to wear masks in indoor public places — Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oregon. This also includes Puerto Rico.

Although the COVID-19 landscape is markedly improved, we are not yet at a point where we can consider relaxing the guidance on wearing masks in indoor public settings,” Allen said.

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Earlier this month, there were news reports to suggest at least for now, Oregon has no timeline in sight, or metrics for ending the mask mandate in the state.


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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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