Legal Alerts

Oregon Businesses & Employers Take Note: New Indoor Spaces Mask Mandate Effective Today

Portland, Ore. (August 13, 2021) - Effective August 13, 2021, Oregon law requires masks, face coverings, or face shields in all indoor spaces (but not private residences) in Oregon regardless of vaccination status under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 339-019-1025.

Indoor space 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 private automobile being used for personal use and that is not used for ride sharing.” OAR 339-019-1025(3)(f).

The rule requires, in part, that any person responsible for an indoor space:

a) ensures that employees, contractors, and volunteers comply with this rule within the indoor space;

b) makes reasonable efforts to ensure customers, guests, visitors, and other individuals comply with this rule within the indoor space; and

c) posts signs at every entrance to the indoor space that face coverings are required as described in this rule.

OAR 339-019-1025(5).

Any person responsible for an indoor space who violates any provision of this rule is subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per day per violation. OAR 339-019-1025(5)(7).

The rule does not prohibit an employer or place of public accommodation from making reasonable accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other applicable laws. OAR 339-019-1025(5)(6).

You can read the new rule here and the OHA’s Mask Recommendations & Requirements, FAQ's, and signs to post here.

For more information on this development, contact the authors of this alert. Visit our COVID-19 Response Resource Center to find additional alerts on the many areas of law impacted by the pandemic.

Authors:

Lizeth Marin, Associate

Bradley Krupicka, Partner

Sean Driscoll, Partner

Related Practices

• Labor & Employment
• COVID-19 Response Resource Center

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