LOC News
COVID Update – State and Local Authorities Take Action
As the COVID-19 crisis continues in Oregon, Governor Brown, local governments and private entities continue to take steps to decrease the spread of the disease and reduce hospitalizations. Steps taken this week include, but are not limited to:
- Renewal of the outdoor masking mandate. Effective August 27, masking will be required outdoors when individuals are not able to maintain a distance of six feet from people who are not from the same household.
- Employee vaccination requirements. Governor Brown has issued an executive order requiring all health care workers, school faculty and staff, and state executive branch employees to be vaccinated by October 12. While the final regulations have not been issued, it is the LOC’s understanding that firefighters and paramedics will be considered healthcare workers under this order. Multnomah County has announced a similar policy for their employees as well.
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) issues statement on vaccines. The IAFC has issued a position statement in support of mandatory vaccination of firefighting and EMS personnel.
- Rose Quarter to Require vaccine verification. Following the announcement of Providence Park, the home of the Portland Thorns and Timbers soccer teams, the Moda Center will require attendees to present a vaccine verification or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of attendance.
These developments come on the heals of surge of COVD hospitalizations that has overtaxed Oregon hospitals beyond capacity and the full approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 8/27/21