Episode 37: Masking Guidance

Current Masking Mandates and What This Means for Us

Q1: What is the latest about mask requirements for indoor settings?

OHA announced yesterday that it will lift indoor mask requirements in schools and for the general public on March 12, 2022 because hospitalizations and cases are rapidly declining. 

Earlier this month, OHA had announced that the indoor mask requirement would be lifted by March 31, with the option of lifting it sooner if conditions improved enough.

Conditions have improved. A recent modeling report by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) predicted Oregon will have 400 or fewer people in the hospital with COVID-19 by March 20.

Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined 48% since peaking in January. Over the past two weeks, hospitalizations have fallen by an average of more than 30 a day.

Reported COVID-19 infections also have dropped in recent weeks. Over the past month, new infections have declined by more than 80%. The seven-day moving average for new cases is 84% lower than at the peak of the Omicron surge.

We hope the March 12 date gives communities and schools time to prepare for the transition. 

Q2: I’m a business owner. Am I allowed to require employees or patrons to wear face masks after the general public indoor mask requirements are lifted?

Once requirements are lifted, employers and businesses may establish their own mask requirements to protect employees and customers. Each business owner is allowed to enforce restrictions in their own business. 

Q3:  Will masks be required in spectator sports and indoor concerts? 

It depends. Practice and play for indoor competitive sports don’t require masks or face coverings. However, venues may continue to require masks or face coverings for spectators as part of their business policy.

Q4: Since the indoor mask requirements will be lifted on March 12, does that mean face masks no longer help prevent COVID-19 transmission?

No. Health experts still strongly recommend high-risk individuals, and the people who live with them continue wearing masks.  People at high risk of COVID-19 infection include people who are:

Q5: Does lifting the mask requirement in public settings also apply to non-public settings, such as businesses? 

The answer depends on the business. Masks will still be required in some places, such as health care settings. Health care settings include places like hospitals, doctor offices, dentist offices, urgent care and dialysis centers. You will also still have to wear a mask on public transportation, and in airports and on airplanes. 

Q6: Is there anyone who should not wear a mask, face covering or face shield?

Yes. The following individuals should not wear a mask, face covering or face shield:

Source: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3818.pdf

Q7:  Is OHA pausing quarantining?

Yes. Starting on March 12, OHA will no longer require you to quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID. This applies to the general public, K-12 schools and childcare settings.

Why is OHA pausing quarantining? For a couple of reasons:

A significant proportion of our state’s population has been vaccinated or has developed immunity following a COVID infection. At the same time, the tools we previously used, such as contact tracing, are no longer as effective because transmission occurs quickly, many infected people have no symptoms, or mild symptoms and many infections are not reported to public health. 

 It’s important to know that:

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.