After issuing a rule outlining new required health and safety measures for personnel in health care settings requiring proof of vaccination or face weekly COVID-19 testing for personnel in health care settings just last week, Governor Kate Brown has announced she will be issuing two new health and safety mandates to address the spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations being driven by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. “There are two keys to saving lives” Governor Brown stated, a vaccination requirement for state employees and statewide indoor mask requirements.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. And, by wearing masks, all of us vaccinated and unvaccinated can help ensure that a hospital bed staffed by health professionals is available for our loved ones in their time of need. If we all do our part, we can beat COVID-19 once and for all, keep our economy open and thriving, and return our kids to the classroom with minimal disruptions in a few weeks.”
The vaccination requirement does not apply to employees of Oregon’s legislative and judicial branches of government. However, all State of Oregon executive branch employees will be required to be fully vaccinated on or before October 18th, or six weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine receives full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, whichever is later, though the Governor is encouraging the leadership of both branches to consider a similar requirement.
The requirement will apply to all executive branch employees, including employees working for all Oregon state agencies, and in consultation with Oregon’s statewide elected officials, employees of the Oregon State Treasury and the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, as well as employees of the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries and the Oregon Department of Justice. Employees will be required to show proof of vaccination by the deadline. Individuals unable to be vaccinated due to disability or sincerely held religious belief may be able to qualify for an exception, as required by state and federal law. State of Oregon employees will not have the option of weekly testing instead of showing proof of vaccination.
“Vaccines are safe and effective, and they are the surest way to prevent Oregonians from ending up in intensive care units,” said Governor Brown. “I am taking action to help ensure State of Oregon workplaces are safe for employees and customers alike, and I am strongly encouraging all public and private employers to follow suit by requiring vaccination for their employees. The only way we can stop the spread of COVID-19 for good is through vaccination.”
