Masks & face coverings

Starting March 12, 2022: Masks, face coverings or face shields are no longer required in most settings in Oregon, including in businesses, faith institutions, K-12 schools and childcare settings. Learn more about when to continue wearing masks.

Masks and face coverings are still required in health care and some other settings.

Everyone 5 years of age and older is required to wear a mask or face covering, and children between 2 and 5 years old are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or face covering, in the following settings:

• Hospitals

• Doctor offices

• Pharmacy windows and waiting areas

• Dentist offices

• Urgent care facilities

• Long-term care and assisted living facilities

• Behavioral health residential programs

• Counseling, recovery and rehabilitation centers

• Dialysis centers

• School-based health centers

• Any office where health care is provided

• In addition, senior centers or independent living facilities may continue to require a mask, face covering or face shield, and physical distancing. Providers of in-home care, home health care or hospice services are still required to wear a mask or face covering when providing care.

Some businesses, organizations, schools, cities and counties also may continue to require a mask. Masks are also still required on public buses, trains, airplanes and in airports. However, the federal regulations are currently set to expire on May 3, 2022, and masking requirements on public transportation may change.

Even though masks are no longer required in most public settings across Oregon, they are still effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Many people in Oregon will continue to wear masks.

It is recommended you continue to wear a mask and stay 6 feet from others if you:

• Are not vaccinated

• Are over the age of 65

• Have a weakened immune system

• Have an underlying medical condition that puts you at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19

• Live with someone in one of these categories

We support everyone’s right to choose to wear a mask.

You will be able to find social media share graphics, signage for businesses and other communications resources from the Oregon Health Authority.

Talking to friends and family about wearing a mask: Download this resource below for tips to talk with the people you care about when you feel safest wearing a mask.