July 28, 2021 3:50 a.m.

The Oregon Health Authority is recommending universal mask use for all public indoor settings.

OHA said the shift was in response to a large jump in cases and hospitalizations and new national guidance calling for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, and to protect Oregonians from COVID-19.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist and state health officer said “…the use of face masks provides significant protection for individuals who are unvaccinated as well as an additional level of protection from a small but known risk of infection by the virus for persons who have already been vaccinated”.

OHA’s release said according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are vaccinated with currently available vaccines are protected from the virus and the circulating variants, including the Delta variant that is now seen in the majority of Oregon’s new cases.

OHA said their recommendation aligns the new CDC guidance issued on Tuesday. It applies statewide, not just in areas with higher infections and high transmission, as cases have increased in recent weeks due to the Delta variant.

OHA said they are calling on community and public health leaders, and businesses, to encourage vaccination and masking to prevent new outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.