PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced Wednesday afternoon that it has eliminated all face mask and physical distancing requirements for workplaces across the state, with the exception of health care facilities, public transit and airports.
The move by Oregon OSHA comes on the same day that the state reopened, eliminating most COVID restrictions across the state.
"It is heartening to see that we have come so far and are experiencing an improving situation," said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. "But the risks remain real – especially for those who are not fully vaccinated. That is why, from a risk management standpoint, it makes sense to keep some provisions of our workplace requirements in place longer. We need to remain vigilant and encourage more people to get vaccinated."
Oregon OSHA will keep some COVID-19 measures in place, including those involving the optimization of ventilation, notification of a positive COVID case in the workplace and steps employers must take take if an employee is required to quarantine.
Face mask and physical distancing provisions will be removed from the list of COVID-19 rules for employer-provided housing, including for agricultural operations, but other measures, including the placement of beds and air purifiers, will remain in place. According to OSHA, amendments to the employer-provided housing rules are in the process of being filed and will be available on this website soon.
Businesses also have the right to put their own face mask and distancing measures in place if they choose to do so, OSHA said, as long as they follow public health guidelines and allow accommodations for people with disabilities.