Do I still have to wear a mask?
Healthcare Compliance Associates • October 7, 2022
On May 13, Center for Disease Control (CDC), issued new guidance for fully vaccinated individuals; they no longer have to wear masks or physically distance, “except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
Following the CDC’s recommendations, Governor Kate Brown issued an official press release indicating that Oregon would follow suit.
“Starting today, Oregon will be following this guidance, which only applies to fully-vaccinated individuals,” said Governor Brown. “That means Oregonians who are fully-vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.”
While fully-vaccinated individuals will be able to enjoy the ability to go without a mask for the most part, there are some exceptions. For instance, fully-vaccinated folks will still be required to wear masks and physically distance in the following places:
- Public transportation
- Hospitals
- Health care clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Long-term care facilities
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will be updating its guidance to provide employers with greater flexibility to cut back on masking and physical distancing requirements for fully-vaccinated employees. However, it is not required that all businesses adopt new masking and physical distancing policies.
Further: All healthcare personnel in Oregon counties at Moderate or higher Risk Level are still required to wear an N95 (or equivalent) when performing aerosol generating procedures.
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