The Oregon Governor recently announced that she is banning seated dining at the state’s bars and restaurants and prohibiting gatherings of more than 25 people. The March 16th executive order includes exemptions for grocery stores and retail outlets. The ban started Tuesday, March 17th and is scheduled to last at least four weeks. Violating the governor’s executive order is a misdemeanor. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
(1) Do all Oregon food service, restaurant, entertainment, recreational facilities Have to Close?
It appears so, until April 14, 2020, unless extended all such businesses must close to the public for “on-premise consumption,” of food or drink. However, it does allow restaurants and food service businesses to continue to offer drive-through, takeout, and delivery. Note though, businesses that stay open under this exception must practice social distancing and allow three feet between customers ordering, waiting, or in line.
(2) Do Entertainment or Recreational Facilities Have to Close?
Yes, until April 14th, unless extended. The Proclamation specifically prohibits gatherings of 25 people or more. These gatherings include, but are not limited to, “any community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, and sporting events, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, fairs, festivals, if a distance of at least three feet between individuals cannot be maintained.”
(3) Are Retail Businesses Required to Close?
Not necessarily. The restriction on gatherings exempts essential businesses and services, which includes “workplaces, grocery stores, retail stores, convenience stores, banks and credit unions, gas stations, hotels or motels, health care facilities, pharmacies, child care facilities, and state or local government.” However, Governor Brown did encourage these exempt businesses to implement social distancing protocols.
(4) Where Can Oregon Employers Find out the Latest COVID-19 Information?
- Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates;
- Governor Brown’s Executive Order;
- BOLI’s Statement Regarding Secured Scheduling; and
- Oregon’s Unemployment Guide Related to COVID-19 Layoffs, Closures, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits.