Guidance for Face Coverings

Updated 09/20/2021

Benton County

Effective August 17, 2021 the Benton County Board of Commissioners issued Order #D2021-063. This order requires all individuals ages 5 and above, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when in indoor public settings and in outdoor public settings where a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained.

• 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

This change comes in response to the surge in cases, concerns over the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, and the increased stress on Oregon’s medical facilities. 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 the Delta variant, 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. Masks or personal face coverings will also be required when in public, outdoor situations where consistently maintaining physical distance is not possible, but does not apply to fleeting encounters such as passing someone on a trail.

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