Oregon Orders a Statewide “Freeze” Due to COVID-19 Surge, Closing Some Businesses, Restricting Bars and Restaurants to Takeout, and Further Limiting Social Gatherings

On November 13, 2020, after concluding that the previously proposed two-week “pause” did not go far enough, Governor Kate Brown announced a two-week statewide “freeze” aimed at slowing the rapid spread of COVID-19. The statewide freeze starts on Wednesday, November 18 and runs through December 2, 2020, meaning that the freeze will be in place during the Thanksgiving holiday. The freeze will be longer in some counties, including Multnomah County, where the freeze is expected to last four weeks.

The freeze imposes the following restrictions:

• Businesses must allow employees to work from home to the greatest extent possible.
• Bars and restaurants are limited to takeout only.
• Gyms, indoor recreational and entertainment facilities, and sports courts and pools are closed.
• Zoos, gardens, and outdoor entertainment facilities are closed.
• Retail stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pickup.
• Indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than six people from two different households.
• Limit faith-based organizations to no more than 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
• No indoor visitation at long-term care facilities.

Governor Brown has also joined Washington Governor Jay Inslee and California Governor Gavin Newsom in strongly urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and asking those who move between states to quarantine for 14 days after arrival.

If you have any questions about Oregon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic or how it affects your workplace, please contact us.