Guidance for Face Coverings

Updated 01/24/2022

The right mask for the job

Early on in the pandemic, health officials requested the public not use N95 respirators and medical grade masks in order to keep a supply available for healthcare workers. Since then, the national supply has been adequately increased and new, more transmissible variants like omicron are making it more important to wear a mask with a higher level of protection. The CDC now recommends that an N95 grade mask be worn in certain situations or by certain people who need that higher level of protection, such as: 

• When caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• When riding on planes, buses, and other forms of public transportation.
• If you are not up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations.

For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the different kinds of masks, the best way to wear a mask, and more please visit: Types of Masks and Respirators.

Benton County

Effective November 30, 2021 the Benton County Board of Commissioners issued Order No. D2021-079. This order lifts the outdoor face covering requirement but still requires all individuals ages 5 and above, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when in indoor public settings as described in Order No. D2021-063.

• Order #D2021-079: In the matter of lifting Requirement For Face Masks in Outdoor Public Settings
• News Release: Outdoor masking no longer required in Benton County
• Order #D2021-063: In the Matter of Requiring Personal Use of Masks or Cloth Face Coverings in Indoor and Outdoor Public Settings
• Order #D2021-063 Guidance

• News Release: Benton County requires face coverings in all public indoor and crowded outdoor settings to slow COVID-19 transmission

Benton County urges everyone to take steps necessary to protect themselves and our entire community. Wearing a mask in public, frequently washing hands, and getting a COVID-19 vaccine are important measures to prevent the spread of illness. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and provide the best protection against COVID-19, most importantly against severe outcomes including hospitalization and death.

State of Oregon

Effective August 27, 2021, Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority issued OAR 333-019-1025 requiring masks or personal face coverings to be worn by all individuals over the age of 5 in indoor public settings. 

Click here for more information about the Oregon mask requirement

Masks are required in Federal locations. 

Locations under Federal oversight, will continue to require masking and distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These areas include:

• Airports and other mass transit hubs
• Healthcare setting
• Federal Buildings