PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregonians are being directed to stay at home “to the maximum extent possible” starting Monday as Governor Kate Brown issued a new executive order to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
“I started by asking Oregonians to stay home and practice social distancing. Then I urged the public to follow these recommendations. Instead, thousands crowded the beaches of our coastal communities, our trails, our parks, and our city streets, potentially spreading COVID-19 and endangering the lives of others across the state. Now, I’m ordering it. To save lives and protect our community,” Gov. Brown said.
The order states that all non-essential recreational gatherings are prohibited “regardless of size” if people cannot be more than six feet apart at all times. This does not apply to people who live together, Gov. Brown’s office said.
Executive Order 20-12 also adds to the list of businesses temporarily closed by the outbreak where it is hard to avoid close personal contact, like barber shops and salons, gyms and fitness studios, theaters, arcades, and more. If a business is allowed to stay open, they must put social distancing policies in place.
