PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon is lifting its outdoor face mask requirement for crowded settings, health officials said during a Tuesday update on the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Oregon Health Authority said the rule was initially implemented in August during a surge in cases and hospitalizations brought on by the Delta variant of COVID-19.
"This decision takes effect immediately and reflects the overall progress we have seen on the COVID-19 front here in Oregon," the OHA said.
People can still wear masks in crowded outdoor settings if they choose, the OHA said, reiterating how face coverings offer “significant protection" for people who aren’t vaccinated.
"Although the COVID-19 landscape has markedly improved, we aren't at a point where we can consider relaxing the guidance on wearing masks in indoor public settings. The Delta variant remains a significant threat to all of us, especially to the 1 in 5 vulnerable Oregonians," OHA Director Pat Allen said.
OHA officials said they consulted with Governor Kate Brown and her advisors before lifting the outdoor mask mandate which is for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
As the OHA eliminates the statewide outdoor mask rules, the Oregon Department of Education said responsibility is falling on school leaders to determine whether students will wear masks outside on school campus.
As of Tuesday, eight out of ten adult Oregonians have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, health officials say. Oregon ranks 19th in the nation for a percentage of the population with at least one dose.
The announcement comes just a day after Oregon surpassed 5,000 deaths related to COVID-19.
You can watch the OHA press conference below: