Most Oregonians should wear masks to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, according to federal health guidance, with 24 counties now seeing “high” levels of COVID-19, as determined by occupied hospital beds, admissions and total cases.
At that risk level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges everyone to wear masks in indoor public places and get tested for COVID-19 if they experience symptoms. Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties are among those the CDC says have high levels of COVID-19.
Oregon’s other 12 counties are seeing medium community levels of COVID-19, according the CDC. The Oregon Health Authority has previously recommended masks be worn in indoor public places in counties at that risk level, too.
The health authority and the three metro counties did not immediately say whether they would reinstate mask mandates. But given that OHA has previously
The health authority urged Oregonians anticipating the holiday weekend to remember the virus is widespread.
“Consider spending more time outside with friends and family over indoor activities,” the Oregon Health Authority said in a tweet Thursday evening. “If you’re indoors, wearing the highest quality mask you can find offers extra protection.”
Identified infections are averaging about 1,600 new cases a day. Nearly 420 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, and more than 14% of all reported COVID-19 tests in Oregon reported that day came back positive, according to state data.
— Fedor Zarkhin
