In a notification that was sent only to “Faith Liasion” members (pastors, and other members of the faith community) and subscribers to the Oregon Health Authority Community partner outreach, Governor Kate Brown has issued stricter guidelines governing worship services.

This effectively ends church and allows live stream only. In the case of one church, since the pastor feels it is absolutely necessary to have his lips visible (for the sign language person and personal preference) he is cancelling “live” church and doing livestream only.

One observer noted that these restrictions were not announced during the Governor’s press conference on Wednesday, instead being held for a late-Friday-afternoon release, a time when news is released that its authors hope will not get widespread coverage. Governor Brown has tangled with faith communities already over restrictions placed on worship.

An unnamed legislator noted that the Governor always takes her mask off for her press conferences.

The text of the notice reads,

Hello Faith Leaders,

The Oregon Health Authority, at the direction of Governor Brown, has released updated guidance that may impact your faith community gatherings. New guidance will be in effect beginning today, July 24th.

There are two key areas noted in the order: changes to the statewide face covering mandate, and changes to maximum capacity limitations.

Here are a few highlights:

Face Coverings (includes masks and face shields):

• Face coverings will be mandatory for individuals 5 years of age and older for all indoor faith gatherings and, outdoors when 6 feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Previously, face coverings were required for ages 12 and older.
• All individuals attending indoor gatherings now need to wear face coverings (mask or face shield) at all times, even when teaching, preaching or singing. The only exemption is for someone playing an instrument requiring mouth to instrument contact.
  • Note - if you are not holding an in-person event, but are simply live streaming or recording services without an audience, face coverings for teachers, preachers and musicians are not required as long as 6 feet of physical distancing is maintained.
  Updated Gathering limits:
• Phase 1 Counties -
  • Indoor & Outdoor faith-based, civic and cultural gatherings = 50 people
  • Physical distancing of 6 feet between households must be maintained. To determine maximum occupancy, 35 square feet of space per person is needed in the room holding the gathering.
• Phase 2 Counties -
  • Services at an indoor venue = 100 people (including staff & volunteers)
  • Services at an outdoor venue = 250 people (including staff & volunteers)
  • Physical distancing of 6 feet between households must be maintained. To determine maximum occupancy, 35 square feet of space per person is needed in the room holding the gathering.
  Sector Specific Guidance & Resources:
  
  
• NEW! Face coverings website
• Phase 1 County faith communities, please utilize "Statewide Gatherings, Indoor Social Get-Together Guidance
."
• Phase 2 County faith communities, please utilize
  • "Venue & Event Operators" Guidance, and
  • "Gatherings" Guidance
  • FAQ - Faith Community guidance begins on page 5.
• School aged camps and youth groups, please utilize "Summertime Day Camps."

You can find all guidance documents, FAQ's, signage and other resources on OHA's COVID-19 website.

You can find information about the Phased reopening plan and the status of your county on Governor Kate Brown's Safe + Strong website.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.

In partnership,

Faith Liaison Team

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-07-24 19:22:28

Last Update: 2020-07-26 17:11:23