Oregonians will once again be required to wear face masks in indoor public places starting this Friday.
The announcement by Gov. Kate Brown Wednesday comes as cases of the delta variant of COVID-19 continue to spike.
“I know Oregonians are tired of wearing masks," Brown said during an online press briefing. "I certainly am too. But every time someone wears a mask, that’s one more unvaccinated kid we’re protecting. That mask could keep your best friend or loved one out of the hospital.”
Brown said masks will help keep schools and businesses open.
The number of hospitalizations this week reached its highest levels since the start of the pandemic. Brown said that the majority of those hospitalized by the coronavirus are people who have not been vaccinated.
The governor said for now, there would be no additional restrictions such as capacity limits for businesses, or limits on social gatherings. Masks will not be required for outdoor settings.
