View the latest orders, directives and guidance from local, state and federal authorities. The following information is based on what is currently known about COVID-19. Multnomah County will update this page as information becomes available.
Guidance, rules and recommendations
- Business
- Congregate and shelter settings
- Faith groups
- Food service
- Gatherings
- Health clinics
- Home care
- Long-term care facilities
- Outdoors
- Public transit
- Schools and early learning
- Travelers
Business
State law
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 that closes nonessential businesses if they cannot offer delivery or take-out style service. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
Failure to comply with the order will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor.
The order strengthens and expands on a March 15 guidance to employers to implement distancing measures including telecommuting and staggered schedules. Now all businesses must have employees work from home, as much as possible. Non-retail businesses such as manufacturers and construction companies must ensure their employees maintain social-distancing measures.
Allowed (must keep 6 feet from others)
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Hospitals and health care
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Grocery stores
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Banks
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Pharmacies
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Take-out/delivery from restaurants and bars
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Food carts
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Pet stores
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Gas stations
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Certain retail stores
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Outdoor activities like walking your dog, jogging, or biking in your neighborhood
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Child care facilities and babysitters (if abiding by new rules)
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Shelters and emergency social services
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Offices, warehouses, manufacturing businesses operating under teleworking and social distancing requirements
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Airports
Not Allowed
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Social gatherings (parties, celebrations) with people from outside of your household
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Dine-in restaurants and bars
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Nightclubs and concerts
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Shopping at outdoor or indoor malls and retail complexes
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Fitness: Gyms, sports and fitness centers, health clubs, and exercise studios, dance and yoga studios
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Grooming: Hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage clinics, non-medical wellness spas, cosmetic stores, tattoo parlors
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Entertainment: Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys, music concerts, sporting events, museums, skating rinks
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Outdoors: State parks,playgrounds, campgrounds, pools, skate parks, festivals
Businesses that remain open
Prepare your team
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Ensure sick leave policies allow employees to stay home when they are sick and comply with sick leave laws and policies.
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Have flexible policies that allow employees to stay home to care for a sick family member or for a child who cannot go to school.
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Plan for absenteeism at the workplace:
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Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions
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Prepare to maintain critical operations: identify alternative suppliers, prioritize clients, temporarily suspend some operations
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Postpone non-urgent services. Provide services by phone or online where possible.
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Ask clients to have resources to stay home for up to 2 weeks if they become sick.
Keep people well
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Make sure all employees stay home when ill and practice good hand washing.
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Place posters that encourage staying home when sick and frequent hand washing.
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Provide tissues, waste baskets and hand sanitizer in areas where people gather.
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Routinely clean all frequently-touched surfaces.
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Provide disposable disinfectant wipes to clean common surfaces before each use.
If employees feel ill
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Employees who have a cough/fever illness should stay home until they are free of fever and any other symptoms for at least 72 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medicines or cough suppressants).
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Any employee that becomes sick with a fever and cough illness at work must be sent home immediately.
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For those employees who are sick with respiratory illness, do not require a healthcare provider’s note to validate their illness or to return to work.
Resources
Congregate and shelter settings
Multnomah County offers guidance on preparing shelters to accommodate proper social distancing, recommendations for mask use, cleaning, shared space and exclusions. [View guidance]
Faith groups
Stay home. For your safety and the safety of your fellow worshippers, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. Places of worship can offer remote access to services, such as by emails, video streaming, or teleconference.
Faith-based organizations serving or available to provide shelter to the unhoused, please contact the Joint Office of Homeless Services and review Guidance for Congregate and Shelter Settings.
Food service
Restaurants
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
The order continues restrictions issued in a March 17 rule [Read the press release] that restaurants, bars, and other establishments limit food or beverages to carry-out and delivery only with no on-site consumption permitted.
Food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue.
Multnomah County Environmental Health is monitoring the situation. Our environmental health supervisor has answered some commonly asked questions. [Read those here]
Food establishments that have concerns or questions should contact their health inspector or email foodsafety@multco.us.
Grocery shopping
Only well people should grocery shop and work in grocery stores. All employees must wash their hands frequently and well. Shoppers should also be mindful to:
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Avoid touching and picking up items you may not need.
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Routinely wash reusable bags.
Delivery
Only people who are in good health should prepare and deliver food. And all food service and delivery staff must wash their hands often with warm water and soap.
Upon delivery, employees should set food packages on the customer’s doorstep and step back 6 feet after knocking.
We also recommend:
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Restaurants and diners consider using a contactless business model that requires limited or no interaction between the restaurant, delivery service, and the customer.
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Encourage delivery drivers to leave your delivery at a pre-designated spot. Pay for all products ahead of time so no exchange of money is needed or have a need to sign a receipt.
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Once a customer has their food, they should remember to wash their hands before eating.
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Anyone concerned about the packaging might consider transferring their food to a plate or bowl, dispose of the delivery container and then wash their hands.
Gatherings
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home unless absolutely necessary and banning nonessential gatherings of any size. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
Failure to comply with the order will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor.
The order builds on a March 17 order limiting gatherings to no more than 25 people. A gathering is defined as any event, planned or spontaneous, in a space in which appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.
About the order
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Oregonians must stay home whenever possible.
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Limited activities are allowed outside the home only when social distance is maintained.
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All nonessential social and recreational gatherings are prohibited, regardless of size, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained.
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Gatherings of members of the same residential household are permitted.
Health Clinics
The Oregon Health Authority updates guidance for testing and clinical care and healthcare infection prevention and control. [View guidance]
Be cautious about turning away patients who feel they need to be evaluated. A plan to return for care should be developed so the patient knows what to do if symptoms become worse.
Treating patients
For patients who might be ill with a respiratory viral infection, clinics should also have a plan in place to address how to care for a patient before they arrive, during intake, and while the patient is being seen.
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Instruct patients to call ahead — or inform the health care provider upon arrival — if they have symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath and fever. Ask the patient to wear a facemask to contain their cough, and place the patient in an exam room as quickly as possible.
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Consider screening patients for other germs that cause respiratory illness.
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If a person with possible COVID-19 arrives unexpectedly, ask the patient to wear a mask and take them immediately to an exam room. Keep the exam room door closed.
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If possible, schedule a person who may have COVID-19 as the last patient of the day.
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If possible, suspected COVID-19 patients should be escorted into the building through an entrance that allows them to access an exam room without exposing others.
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Minimize the number of healthcare workers interacting with the patient. Caregivers should follow Oregon Health Authority's guidance, which includes eye protection and a surgical or procedure mask.
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Collect all specimens and perform clinical interventions in the exam room if possible.
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The exam room should be left empty for as long as possible after the patient has left; the room should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
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Patients who are under evaluation for COVID-19 may stay at home if they are not sick enough to be admitted, but will need a plan for who to contact if clinical symptoms worsen. See CDC guidance for home care.
Clinic Resources
OHA: COVID-19 Healthcare Partner Resources
Home care
When someone in the home has confirmed or possible COVID-19, designate one person in the household as the main caregiver for the ill person.
Whoever is designated to care for the ill person should be healthy and not have medical conditions that would put them at risk for severe illness. Those considered “high risk” include people over the age of 65 and anyone with the following conditions:
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Lung problems
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Heart problems
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Kidney disease
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A suppressed immune system
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Diabetes
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Pregnant women
Most patients with COVID-19 can receive the care they need at home, as mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to a cold or the flu: runny nose, cough, low-grade fever and aches.
People are probably most contagious when they have symptoms like cough and fever.
Caring for an ill person
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Keep the sick person in a separate, well-ventilated room apart from other people as much as possible.
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If a separate space is not available, keep a distance of at least six feet from others.
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A sick person who is coughing or sneezing should wear a mask when around other people. If the patient cannot wear a mask, the caregiver should wear a mask or cover their nose and mouth when close to the ill person.
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Provide the sick person with a separate bathroom if possible and a trash bag within reach.
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Limit activities outside the home until the sick person is feeling well for at least three days (72 hours).
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Treat them as if they have the flu:
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Provide healthy food and offer plenty of fluids.
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Have them rest.
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Offer non-prescription medicines for symptoms like fever and aches.
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Call a healthcare provider or an emergency room if the sick person develops concerning symptoms, or if their symptoms worsen. And notify the healthcare provider or the emergency operator that the ill person has been evaluated for or diagnosed with COVID-19.
Caregiver self-care
The risk of catching a virus from a sick person is highest for the direct caretaker, everyone in the home should take precautions to limit risk. Monitor health regularly to watch for development of similar symptoms.
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Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after being in a room as the ill person, handling their belongings and using the bathroom.
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Properly clean all frequently-touched surfaces on a regular basis.
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Wear a mask or cover your nose and mouth when interacting with the ill person if they are unable to use one.
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Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth without first washing your hands.
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Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding with an ill person.
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Wash dirty dishes in a dishwasher or with warm water and soap.
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Laundry can be washed with warm or cold water. It is not necessary to separate laundry used by a patient from other household laundry. But do not shake dirty laundry or “hug” dirty laundry to your chest to carry it.
Long Term Care Facilities
The Oregon Department of Human Services March 16 restricted all visitation to licensed long-term care facilities except essential medical and emergency personnel and visitors to residents who are in the end of life. [Read policy here]
The all-visitor restrictions apply to:
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Nursing facilities
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Assisting living facilities
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Residential care facilities
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Adult foster homes
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Group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Prepare your facility
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Activate your emergency preparedness and operations teams to develop a Continuity of Operations Plan.
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Identify dedicated employees to care for COVID-19 patients and provide infection control training. Infection prevention practices guidance is available from the CDC here.
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Consider what your facility would require to maintain critical operations.
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Cross-train personnel to perform essential functions.
Personal protective equipment
Ensure correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE):
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Place a trash can near the exit inside all residents' rooms for easy PPE discarding.
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Post signs outside any ill resident’s room that clearly describe the type of precautions needed.
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Make PPE such as facemasks, eye protection, gowns and gloves, available immediately outside the resident’s room.
Hand hygiene
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Provide alcohol-based hand rub in every resident room and employee area.
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Make tissues and trash bins available.
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Ensure all sinks are stocked with soap and paper towels.
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Remind employees to clean their hands according to CDC guidelines.
Caring for residents
Monitor residents for fever and respiratory symptoms:
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Restrict residents with fever or acute respiratory symptoms to their room. Residents who must leave the room for medically necessary procedures should wear a facemask (if tolerated).
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For care of residents with undiagnosed respiratory infection, use Standard, Contact, and Droplet Precautions along with eye protection unless the suspected diagnosis requires Airborne Precautions.
Long term care resources
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COVID-19 Toolkit for Long Term Care Facilities: Multnomah County toolkit for facilities to prepare for and respond to an outbreak.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The same strategies facilities use every day to detect and prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza protect against COVID-19.
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American Healthcare Association: Provides resources so members have the information they need to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Outdoors
State order
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home unless absolutely necessary and banning many outdoor activities and events.
Failure to comply with the order will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
Included in the order:
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Oregonians must stay home whenever possible.
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Residents may go outdoors, but only if they can maintain distance from anyone not part of their household.
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Outdoor activities like walking your dog, jogging, or biking in your neighborhood are permitted with social distance.
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Outdoors spaces including playgrounds, campgrounds, pools, skate parks and festival grounds must close.
The order expands on a March 19 decision by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to close campgrounds in state parks, forests, and wildlife areas. [Read the release]
The U.S. Forest Service on March 23 also closed Multnomah Falls Lodge and viewing areas, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and Skamania Lodge. The Forest Service Hood River office is closed to walk-ins, but will offer services online and at 541-308-1700. [Read the alert]
How to recreate
If you are healthy, it is okay to be outdoors with members of your household. But only if you can maintain distance from non-household members. Just remember to:
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Wash hands often and bring sanitizer on your outings.
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Stay local.
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Avoid crowded spaces and trails.
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Outdoor games with your household contacts are okay.
Portland Parks and Recreation asks visitors:
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While on trails, announce your presence to others and step aside to let others pass.
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Observe the minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from others. If that is not possible, visitors should find an alternative location.
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Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms and no operating water fountain.
Public Transit
Public transit must be limited to essential trips only. Limit trips to essential needs such as for food, medicine and work. It is each rider’s responsibility to decide which trips are essential and to keep away from others. Health officials ask riders to take the following steps during this outbreak:
Keep your distance
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Move into the bus or train away from the driver and other riders.
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Find a seat that keeps at least six feet — about bicycle length away — from others.
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If staying 6 feet from others is not practical, such as when boarding a bus, the Oregon Health Authority recommends individuals maintain a minimum distance of 3 feet [Read March 23 guidance].
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Exit through the rear of the bus whenever possible.
Avoid germs
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Use your sleeve to hold on and touch doors.
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Use an elbow or shoulder to open the door.
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Wash your hands after your ride, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
If you are ill
If you have COVID-19 or think you may be ill with the virus, do not take public transit. If you need urgent care, get a ride from someone in your household. If your symptoms are life-threatening call 9-1-1.
If you are otherwise ill, and must use public transit, take these steps to reduce the risk of sharing germs:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, scarf or handkerchief.
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Wash your hands before riding.
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Keep your distance from others.
Schools and early learning
Order on childcare
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 that requires child care facilities adhere to new guidelines. The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
The order requires child care providers:
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Limit number of 10 children in any one classroom
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Not permit children from outside the stable group
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Prioritize the child care needs of emergency workers and healthcare professionals, followed by critical and essential staff, with guidance by the state’s Department of Education.
Order on schools
Brown ordered the closure of all K-12 schools effective March 16. The order is in place until April 26. [Read the order]
Resources
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Oregon Department of Education: The state provides directives and guidance to superintendents and school principals.
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ODE Division of Early Learning: issues procedures and guidance for daycare providers.
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National Association of School Psychologists: guidance for school mental health providers and suggestions for parents on how to talk to kids about COVID-19.
Travelers
State order
Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order March 23 directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home unless absolutely necessary; limited activities are allowed outside the home only when social distance is maintained.
The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor. [Read the order]
Failure to comply with the order will be considered an immediate danger to public health and subject to a Class C misdemeanor.
Departing travelers
Oregon governor Kate Brown has asked Oregon residents to avoid nonessential travel.
For those who must travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued recommendations for COVID-19. [View recommendations]
Check with your doctor at least one month before traveling to evaluate your health. Speak to your doctor about where you are going, when you are leaving, the length of your trip and the types of activities you are planning.
For those who do travel, consider purchasing travel insurance in the event you need to change plans quickly. The CDC provides general guidance on trip insurance [View guidance]
Returning travelers
People who have recently traveled may be at higher risk of COVID-19 and are advised to stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States. Stay home, avoid others and monitor your health.
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Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and watch for symptoms, including:
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Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
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Cough or trouble breathing
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Discuss your situation with your employer before returning to work.
If you have COVID-19 or think you may be ill with the virus, do not take public transit. If you need urgent care, get a ride from someone in your household. If your symptoms are life-threatening call 9-1-1.
If you are otherwise ill, and must use public transit, take steps to reduce the risk of sharing germs:
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Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, scarf or handkerchief.
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Wash your hands before riding.
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Keep your distance from others.
