Kate Brown recently announced a “Two-Week Freeze” for Oregon (a partial lock-down from November 18 to December 2) to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In anticipation of questions regarding College operations and essential College employees still working on campus, we wanted to share what we know at this time.
The Governor’s guidance exempts several employers, including higher education due to existing guidance from OHA, and there are currently no changes to LCC operations.
“The Two-Week Freeze does not apply to or change current health and safety protocols for personal services (such as barbershops, hair salons, and non-medical massage therapy), congregate homeless sheltering, outdoor recreation and sports, youth programs, childcare, K-12 schools, K-12 sports currently allowed, current Division 1 and professional athletics exemptions, and higher education — all of which can continue operating under previous guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority.”
Quote from the Governor’s Office (emphasis added by LCCEF)
Here is a list of the things that are impacted by this guidance:
Governor Kate Brown on Friday announced a statewide “Two-Week Freeze” to take effect on November 18 and last through December 2. That period of time includes the Thanksgiving holiday.
The freeze includes measures like:
- Limiting social get-togethers (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people, total, from no more than two households.
- Limiting faith-based organizations to a maximum of 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors.
- Limiting restaurants and bars to take-out only.
- Closing gyms and fitness organizations.
- Closing indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, and indoor pools, and sports courts.
- Closing outdoor recreational facilities, zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities, and outdoor pools.
- Limiting grocery stores and pharmacies to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pick-up.
- Limiting retail stores and retail malls (indoor and outdoor) to a maximum of 75% capacity and encouraging curbside pick-up.
- Closing venues (that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events).
- Requiring all businesses to mandate work-from-home to the greatest extent possible and closing offices to the public.
- Prohibiting indoor visiting in long-term care facilities.
Personal Travel Requires a 14 Day Quarantine
The “Two-Week Freeze” discourages non-essential out-of-state travel and anyone traveling out of state is recommended to observe a 14 day quarantine period upon their return.
“Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel
1. Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.
Quoting from Governor Brown’s remarks and press release
Accordingly, if you travel out of state for personal, non-essential reasons, the College is requesting that you quarantine for the recommended 14 days upon your return. If you are able to work remotely, you should continue to do so during this quarantine period. If your work cannot be completed remotely, you should use available leave balances to cover this time.