March 3, 2023 11:00 a.m. 

The Oregon Health Authority has announced that workers, patients and visitors in health care settings will no longer be required to wear masks starting April 3rd.

An OHA release said the agency is rescinding provisions in an Oregon Administrative Rule that requires workers in health care settings to wear masks. The requirement has been in effect since August of 2021.

In addition, Executive Order 22-24 will expire on March 6th. It gave hospitals needed flexibility to respond to a surge in respiratory infections, including COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

OHA said the decision to end statewide health care mask requirements aligns with decisions in other states, including Washington.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA, said the lifting of Oregon’s health care mask requirement stems from data in recent weeks showing overall decreases in circulation of the three respiratory pathogens that triggered a surge in visits to hospital emergency departments and intensive care units last fall. As of Friday, COVID-19 test positivity is at 10 percent and is expected to continue dropping.

The release said the month-long lead up to the ending of Oregon’s health care mask requirement gives the health system, local public health authorities and other health partners time to prepare for the change, including adjusting policies, training and procedures that ensure continued patient safety and access. It also gives the public a chance to plan health care visits and protective measures.