Due to rapidly declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services announced Friday that it is making “substantive changes” to its rule addressing COVID-19 workplace risks.
Per the announcement, Oregon OSHA is removing the indoor masking requirements for most workplace settings. Much of the health care industry falls under “exceptional risk settings” and hence the mask mandate in hospitals, dental offices and other settings will remain. Additionally, Oregon OSHA’s overall COVID-19 rules for health care settings will also remain in effect.
While masking is no longer required, employers must allow workers to voluntarily use facial coverings and provide facial coverings at no cost to workers, according to the announcement.
Additionally, employers must facilitate and pay for COVID-19 testing for workers in some cases.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a new wave of “focused” COVID-19 inspections across hospitals and skilled nursing facilities that previously received citations or complaints, Fierce Healthcare reports. The initiative will be conducted over a three-month period between March 9 and June 9, according to the agency, and will emphasize monitoring facilities’ “current and future readiness to protect workers from COVID-19.”