This morning Governor Kate Brown issued a new executive order effectively shutting down all non-essential activities and travel for the foreseeable future.
The ban directly closes all malls, retail stores, gyms, and other non-essential services throughout Oregon. Oregonians are now no longer allowed to attend indoor or outdoor non-essential gatherings and events outside of their home where a 6-foot person to person distance cannot be maintained.
It is mandated that citizens stay at home as much as possible, by failing to follow these guidelines you risk being charged with a Class C misdemeanor which may result in up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,250, or both.
This is not a total shutdown however, it is still okay to leave the house for certain essential activities. These include, but are not limited to, grocery shopping, receiving health care, or getting gas.
Restaurants are still allowed to remain open, seeing that they operate solely on a takeout level. Currently many businesses are adjusting to accommodate for this.
In addition to these exceptions, recreational activities such as running and hiking are permitted as long social distancing guidelines are followed.
The new executive order currently has no defined time frame, which Governor Brown will designate as her and her team continue to assess the situation.
