Lane County Public Health reports an increase in the number of complaints regarding mask use or more specifically, the lack of it.
The COVID-19 Call Center reports an uptick in calls from people angry about businesses not enforcing the mandate for facial coverings in public places. Information Officer Jason Davis understands the frustration but encouraged empathy.
“This is a huge ask of businesses,” he said during a press briefing. “And this is a new situation for them to have to approach people and talk to them about this mask policy. So we would ask that people have compassion and consideration for those businesses and also for individuals you see in the community who might not be wearing masks.”
Davis said personal responsibility is paramount, but it is not productive to engage with strangers about their lack of masking. It could even be unsafe.
Oregon’s face covering requirement has expanded to apply to outdoor public spaces when six feet of distance cannot be maintained. Whether walking on a trail or a sidewalk, best practice is to have a mask handy to put on-- just in case.
