The Oregon Health Authority released additional details on the state’s mask requirement for indoor spaces which goes into effect today, August 13, 2021. The full text can be found here.
In the text of the rule “indoor spaces” is defined as anywhere indoors, including but not limited to public and private workplaces, businesses, indoor areas open to the public, building lobbies, common or shared spaces, classrooms, elevators, bathrooms, transportation services and other indoor space where people may gather for any purpose. An indoor space does not include a private residence or a private automobile being used for personal use and that is not used for ride sharing.
There are exceptions to mask wearing in indoor spaces. Masks are not required if an individual:
- is under five years of age; unless an individual is using public transportation or in transportation hubs in which case an individual under two years of age is not required to wear a mask, face covering or face shield.
- is sleeping.
- is actively eating or drinking.
- is engaged in an activity that makes wearing a mask, face covering or face shield not feasible, such as when actively swimming.
- is in a private individual workspace.
- must remove the mask, face covering or face shield briefly because the individual’s identity needs to be confirmed by visual comparison, such as at a bank or if interacting with law enforcement.
- is practicing or playing a competitive sport at any level.
- is performing, including but not limited to playing music, delivering a speech to an audience, and theater.
The rule also states that a person responsible for an indoor space must:
- ensure that employees, contractors, and volunteers comply with the rule within the indoor space.
- make reasonable efforts to ensure customers, guests, visitors and other individuals comply with the rule within the indoor space.
- post signs at every entrance to the indoor space that face coverings are required as described in the rule.