June 22, 2020 3:25 a.m.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has issued guidance from the Oregon Health Authority regarding the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces in seven counties.

Starting Wednesday, residents in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Polk, Hood River and Lincoln counties are asked to use face coverings in businesses like grocery stores, on public transit, and at personal services providers, restaurants, bars, retail stores, shopping malls, and when using ride sharing services. In counties that have entered Phase 2 of reopening, the guidance also applies to swimming pools, indoor entertainment facilities, indoor venues and indoor recreational sports facilities.

A release said under the new guidance, businesses must require employees, contractors, volunteers, customers and visitors to wear a face covering unless an accommodation or exemption applies. For example, face coverings are not required in restaurants and bars when eating, or while swimming in a pool. Children under age 12, as well as people with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering, are not required to do so.

Additional information is available with a link in our story at www.541radio.com: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/