July 13, 2020 2:30 p.m.

On Monday, Governor Kate Brown announced new requirements for face coverings and limits on social get-togethers.

Effective Wednesday, July 15th, Brown said Oregon’s face covering requirement will be expanded to apply to outdoor public spaces, when six feet of distance cannot be maintained. In addition, indoor social get-togethers of more than 10 people will be prohibited.

Brown said the move was “in response to the alarming rise of COVID-19 case counts across Oregon over the last several weeks”.

The gathering limit does not change the operation of businesses or churches at this time.

Brown said failure to comply with the new requirements would lead to more outbreaks of COVID-19 and more restrictive closures with greater impact on Oregon’s economies, communities, health care systems and families.

Brown said “We need to do absolutely everything we can do to reduce transmission in ways that do not require us to close down businesses again”. She said the proof will be in the numbers. Brown said, “Either people will adhere to this requirement and be a positive force for stopping COVID-19, or I will be forced to take more restrictive measures”.

Governor Brown said “It all depends on you”. Your choices determine our future”.

In a press conference, Brown said:

*Oregon reported more cases in the past week than in the entire month of May

*The last time Oregon had less than 100 cases in a single day was more than a month ago.

*Half of all cases in Oregon are from people under the age of 40, and one third of all cases are from people under the age of 30.

*Currently, people in their 20s and 30s are the most likely group to get sick with COVID-19.

*Two Oregonians in their 30s have died from COVID-19.

A recording of the Governor’s press conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqcE_5vxZaY&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop