July 1, 2021 4:00 a.m.

On Wednesday, Oregon OSHA removed the facial covering and physical distancing requirements of its COVID-19 rule for all workplaces, with certain exceptions, including health care, public transit and airports.

A release from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services said the move is part of a formal process involving initial amendments to the existing requirements of its COVID-19 rule for all workplaces. It also encompasses similar changes that will be made to another COVID-19 rule addressing housing provided by employers, including as part of agricultural operations.

The release said the lifting of facial covering and distancing requirements are consistent with previous public announcements about the reopening of Oregon, including by Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority.

Oregon OSHA said that does not mean that all of its COVID-19 requirements are going away immediately. For the rule addressing all workplaces, examples of measures that will remain in place longer include optimization of ventilation, notification of a positive case in the workplace, and proper steps to take if an employee must quarantine.

Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA said, “Its heartening to see that we have come so far and are experiencing an improving situation”. Wood said, “But the risks remain real – especially for those who are not fully vaccinated”

For more information, go to: https://osha.oregon.gov/covid19/Pages/default.aspx