Starting April 3, 2023, Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) will no longer require universal masking in health care settings (announcement). Following this guidance, many workers, patients and visitors in Multnomah County-operated health care settings will no longer be required to wear masks. Individual health care facilities may still require masks in higher risk situations to protect their patients, staff and the community.
Multnomah County healthcare services will still maintain infection prevention procedures in alignment with federal and state requirements and regular operations, which includes offering masks at all sites, strongly encouraging anyone with any respiratory illness symptoms to wear a mask and encouraging adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and OHA guidance. It is still recommended to wear a mask after known exposure to COVID-19 and as a person recovers from COVID-19 (after home isolation is completed).
The State of Oregon based its decision on the continued decrease in the circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
We recognize that highly vulnerable members of our community remain at greater risk. This includes those who are unvaccinated, have serious underlying health conditions like being immunocompromised or are over the age of 65. We continue to encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccines and fully support those who need or want to continue masking in health care and other public indoor settings. Public health officials are also encouraging individuals to use available rapid testing to identify early COVID-19 infection and talk to their provider about whether they would benefit from treatment.
People at higher risk for severe disease or who live with someone at higher risk should still consider wearing masks in health care or any settings to better protect themselves and those most vulnerable around them. Some health care settings may continue to require masks, so individuals should verify with their provider or employer for the latest requirements.
Masks remain an effective way to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses. People are recommended to wear masks when they are sick, and individuals – particularly those with health conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from a respiratory virus exposure – should continue to wear masks wherever they feel comfortable.