Major Impacts on ODA Food Establishments
On June 25, Governor Kate Brown signed Executive Order 21-15 to eliminate Oregon’s County Risk Level framework and most remaining COVID-19 health and safety restrictions as of June 30.
While the new Executive Order cancels most pandemic-related restrictions, it also reminds Oregon residents that masks are still required in health care settings, airports, airplanes and public transportation.
Examples of Activities that are no longer restricted:
- Masks or face shields are no longer required in retail food settings. The Oregon Health Authority has identified situations where face coverings remain recommended. Businesses may still choose to require masks (See Oregon OSHA statement below).
- Physical distancing is no longer required.
- On-site consumption may resume regardless of county location.
- COVID based restrictions related to consumer self-service are removed.
- Seating party size limits are no longer in place in all counties.
- Limitation on facility capacity associated with COVID guidance are removed in all counties.
- Mandate for early closure of food establishments has been eliminated.
- Interactive exhibits and activities may be resumed.
Examples of Activities that remain required as they were not COVID based:
- Frequent and proper handwashing is a requirement and the most effective deterrent against the spread of foodborne illnesses.
- Bare hand contact with Ready-To-Eat Foods at ODA regulated food establishments remain prohibited (implemented in 2013).
- Effective hair restraints, such as hair or beard nets, are required in food preparation areas.
- Food contact surfaces and utensils must undergo an appropriate wash, rinse, sanitize, and air-drying process to become clean.
- Re-usable containers in retail food establishment are limited to personal beverage cups without applying for a variance from regulations (implemented prior to 2003).
If you have questions regarding the specifics of your food establishment, please contact your ODA Food Safety Specialist. If you aren't sure of their contact information our website has a convenient tool available at: oda.direct/FindFoodInspector
Important Information for Employers and Workers:
Oregon OSHA removed the facial covering and physical distancing requirements of its COVID-19 rule for all workplaces, with certain exceptions, including health care, public transit, and airports.
The lifting of the facial covering and distancing requirements – effective immediately – are consistent with previous public announcements about the reopening of Oregon.
However, that does not mean that all of Oregon OSHA’s COVID-19 requirements are going away immediately. For the rule addressing all workplaces, examples of measures that will remain in place longer include optimization of ventilation, notification of a positive case in the workplace, and proper steps to take if an employee must quarantine.
The changes implemented by Oregon OSHA do not preclude businesses from choosing to put their own facial covering and distancing measures in place, as long as they do so according to public health guidelines and keeping in mind accommodations for people with disabilities.
For more information on Oregon OSHA's Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, please contact Oregon OSHA directly. Oregon OSHA consultation services are free and confidential. Consultants in workplace safety, industrial hygiene, and ergonomics can help you reduce accidents and related costs and help you develop a comprehensive program to manage safety and health.
Contact
Rustin Rock, 503-986-6464
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