State and federal activity, regulation, and information saw an uptick following a surge in cases of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. 

The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), endeavors to provide up-to-date information on issues that impact counties broadly. Below are some key areas of activity impacting Oregon counties and Oregonians related to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Face Coverings/Masking Requirements

With the surge in COVID-19 cases in August, the State issued an indoor face covering mandate that was effective August 13 as a measure to slow the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. The mandate required face coverings in all indoor public settings and applies to adults and children older than five, except on public transit, where the requirement applies to children older than two years of age. More information on the face covering requirement can be found here.

As an additional step to reduce the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus and reduce impact on hospital capacity, the State announced outdoor face covering requirements effective August 27. Specifically, the rule requires face coverings for all individuals (ages five and up) regardless of vaccination status in outdoor settings where individuals from different households are unable to consistently maintain physical distance.

Vaccines – State Updates

In August, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced a vaccine requirement for all State of Oregon executive branch employees. The mandate requires all executive branch employees, including employees working for all Oregon state agencies to show proof of vaccination by October 18. Individuals unable to be vaccinated due to disability or sincerely held religious belief may be able to qualify for an exception, as required by state and federal law. The initial announcement set the deadline for full vaccination on or before October 18, or six weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine receives full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – whichever is later. On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine – known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which is now being marketed as Comirnaty.

Two additional vaccination requirements were announced on August 19. 

  • Health care workers will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 or six weeks after full U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, whichever is later. *This followed an earlier announcement requiring health care workers to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing – the requirement could be waived with a proof of vaccination. 
  • All teachers, educators, support staff, and volunteers in K-12 schools will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 or six weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later.

*On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine – known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which is now being marketed as Comirnaty.

Vaccines – Federal Updates

On September 9, 2021, President Joe Biden issued two executive orders – one requiring federal employees to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The second executive order related to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors.

Announced in a presidential address on September 9, 2021, the Department of Labor is developing an emergency rule to require all employers with 100 or more employees, to ensure workforces are fully vaccinated or show a negative test at least once per week.

State Vaccine Rates

As of September 13, 2021, 2,428,279 Oregonians have completed their vaccine series, and 240,977 are currently in progress. For up-to-date information on vaccinations in Oregon, click here.

Hospital Capacity

The Oregon Health Authority has created a resource to provide clarity on Oregon COVID-19 hospital capacity by region. Information on occupied and available staffed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and non ICU adult hospital beds by region is available here. Additional information regarding hospitalization by severity, facility, and region as well as personal protective equipment can be found at this link as well. 

Reports

The Oregon Health Authority has provided a number of reports and resources regarding COVID-19 data including vaccination trends, case counts, testing, and more here.

Community Supports

Several resources have been made available across the state. Below are several articles highlighting state and federal support for communities, Oregonians, and health care providers.

COVID-19 Resources

Below are links to resource websites from the State of Oregon, federal partners and agencies, and worldwide resources.

State Resources

National Resources

Worldwide Resources

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate