Masks will still be required on public transit and health care facilities.
Now that the March 12 mask mandate has lifted the requirement to mask up, the public will need to know which places where masks are still required. Oregon and Washington lifted mask mandates for most indoor public spaces and schools on March 12. However, federal requirements mandate masks must still be worn in some settings including public transit and health care facilities.
Other entities can decide whether to extend mask requirements. School districts, local governments, public health authorities and businesses are making separate decisions based on their profession’s discretion.
Below is a list where masks must continue to be worn after March 12:
-Businesses
Restaurants, gyms, grocery stores and other private businesses in Oregon and Washington can continue to require masks after the statewide mandates lift.
-Health Care
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will uphold mask requirements for health care settings to include: Hospitals, Doctor offices, Dentist offices, Urgent care, Dialysis centers
-Public transportation
On March 10, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it will extend its mask mandate through April 18. The public must wear masks on planes, buses, trains and in transit hubs.
-Schools
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the DOH will not require masks in K-12 schools, colleges and universities. However, individual school districts can choose to mandate them.
Several colleges and universities, including Oregon State University and Portland State University, have released updated guidelines and will require masks in student health care centers, childcare settings and public transportation.
