Roy St. Warren of Red Rainbow PDX holds a sign asking for “free masks for all,” on May 1, 2020, during a May Day car caravan in Portland. The caravan was organized by the Portland May Day Coalition and demanded — among other things — PPE and hazard pay for essential workers and a moratorium on rent payments amid the coronavirus pandemic.Brooke Herbert/The Oregonian/OregonLive
Starting Wednesday, a new rule from Gov. Kate Brown will require people in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Marion, Polk, Hood River and Lincoln counties to wear masks in indoor public spaces.
The rule is an attempt to stop the wave of new COVID-19 cases in Oregon, and will impact 55% of people who live in the state.
Here’s what you need to know about masks.
How to make your own mask
If you plan to go to any indoor public place (including grocery stores) in the above counties, you need a mask. You can either buy one, or you can make your own. Here are some ideas about making your own.
Where to buy a mask
At this point, many many businesses are selling reusable cloth masks. Here are just a few ideas for where to purchase yours.
- Are you a Blazers fan? You’re in luck.
- Looking for a mask for a kid or an adult with a smaller face? Here are some options.
- Want a high-performance mask? Under Armour has one for athletes; Adidas, too.
- Looking for something more generic? We’ve got that list too.
Other things to remember
- You need to wear a mask on TriMet, but if you don’t have one, TriMet has mask dispensers.
- Police say businesses have the right to ask customers to wear a mask.
- Beware of online conspiracy theories about masks. Instead, listen to public health officials, like Dr. Paul Cieslak, senior health adviser to the Oregon Health Authority, who told The Oregonian/OregonLive, “Masks are recommended in situations where you encounter people outside of your immediate household members, because by wearing them, you could reduce the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 if you are carrying it unawares.”
— Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
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