Oregon OSHA will Repeal Some Parts of COVID-19 Rules in Most Settings
If the 70 percent vaccination goal is met, COVID-19 rules in Oregon will be eased.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Jun 10, 2021
Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced once the state reaches the 70 percent vaccination mark, it will not require masks or any other face coverings in just about all public settings. Some exceptions apply, following federal guidelines, including: airports, public transit and health care settings. Gov. Brown also requested Oregon OSHA to review its workplace rules and update them based on this decision.
Oregon OSHA agrees with the governor’s decision and intends to repeal face mask and social distancing requirements once the 70 percent mark of adults vaccinated is reached with at least one dose. It is also convening stakeholders to review its COVID-19 rules in light of the governor’s announcement and to determine whether other provisions should be repealed. The discussions are expected to begin the week of June 14.
The original rule that took effect May 4 was extended to maintain risk-reducing safety measures for workers against the coronavirus. Although the rule includes some changes due to public comments from late January when the rule was proposed. The basic requirements are mainly consistent with those that have been in place since November of 2020. According to a press release, the rule largely reflects the guidance produced by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and enforced in the workplace by Oregon OSHA.
When the rule extended in May, Oregon OSHA committed to an ongoing process to eventually repeal it. Oregon OSHA will consult with the Oregon OSHA Partnership Committee as a part of the process. This will also include the OHA, the two Infectious Disease Rule-making Advisory Committees as well as other stakeholders.
Learn more about Oregon OSHA’s workplace guidance and resources here.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.