PORTLAND, Ore. — Gov. Kate Brown announced a ban on indoor get-togethers of more than 10 people in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The ban went into effect on July 15, 2020, but KGW has received a lot of questions from viewers about where the new rules apply.
(This story will be updated with additional viewer questions and answers. Do you have a question? Email us at Verify@kgw.com)
Question: What do health officials consider a "social get-together"?
According to the Oregon Health Authority, an indoor social get-together is a group of people getting together for social purposes. For example, a dinner party, birthday party, graduation party, book club or game night. Statewide, no matter what county, maximum capacity of an indoor get-together is 10 people. A gathering is defined by the Oregon Health Authority as a group of individuals meeting for a common purpose indoors or outdoors. (Source: Oregon Health Authority)
Question: Are churches included in the social gatherings ban?
Churches are exempt from the ban. Governor Brown's office told KGW: "The new gathering limit applies only to indoor social get-togethers. Churches, businesses, and venues must follow the health and safety guidance and occupancy limits already established for those types of buildings." The Governor's Office also said in a follow-up email: "It’s important for people to express their faith in fellowship with others, whether that’s online or in a setting that takes steps to keep people safe in ways that are based guidance from health officials." (Source: Governor Kate Brown's Office)
Question: How will the new rules impact weddings?
Indoor weddings at someone's home must follow the guidelines of 10 people or fewer. A wedding at a venue in phase one can have a maximum of 25 people and a wedding at a venue in phase two can have a maximum amount of 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors as long as they follow the additional health and safety guidelines. (Source: Oregon Health Authority)
Question: Are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings exempt from the ruling of 10 or less people allowed to gather in an indoor social setting?
According to the Governor's Office: "Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are not social get-togethers and may continue—however, we would urge meeting organizers to practice six feet of physical distance, wear face coverings at all times and consider holding meetings in a well-ventilated room or outdoors if at all possible while maintaining the privacy of participants." (Source: Governor Kate Brown's Office)
Question: Where outdoors do I have to wear a mask? On a sidewalk? At a park? Out shopping in neighborhoods?
Governor Kate Brown's office told KGW, anytime a person is outdoors and cannot maintain 6 feet of distance with people outside their household, the need to wear a mask. (Source: Governor Kate Brown's Office)
Do you have a question of the new rules? Let us know! Email us at Verify@kgw.com
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