McKenzie Leary/The Broadside
Kate Brown, Oregon’s Governor, has announced that from Nov. 18 to Dec. 2 there will be a statewide “freeze” as Oregon tries to get COVID cases under control. This means there will be more restrictions placed on students’ day to day life. Listed below is what differences students might notice in their life the next two weeks.
An important thing to know with the new freeze is that police now have authority to punish anyone who doesn’t follow COVID safety guidelines with a Class C misdemeanor. This means people who break COVID guidelines can be fined up to $1,250, be put in jail for up to 30 days or both.
Gatherings are limited to no more than six people per group and no more than two separate households are allowed. Additionally, masks are now required even when outside and face shields are discouraged. The only exceptions to mask wearing according to Oregon Government website are:
- At your own residence.
- In your own personal vehicle.
- Under five (5) years of age.
- Eating or drinking.
- Engaged in an activity that makes wearing a mask, face covering or face shield not feasible, such as when taking a shower.
- Sleeping.
- In a private, individual workspace.
- Removing the mask briefly because your identity needs to be confirmed by visual comparison, such as at a bank or if interacting with law enforcement.
According to the Vice President of Student Affairs Alicia Moore, all fall term classes will remain the same. This means that any on campus classes here at COCC will continue like normal.
All non-essential public facilities will be closed. This means no more gyms, movie theaters, entertainment activities, etc. Essentially the only open places will be grocery stores, retail stores, and pharmacies.
Restaurants are now back to takeout and delivery only and there will be no restaurant outdoor seating offered.
For students who gather for faith, these meetings are down to 25 people indoors and 50 if it is outdoors.
It is crucial to comply with these restrictions, for one’s own safety and the safety of those around them. If the cases can be lowered once again, things will start to reopen similar to how they have been in recent months. This will only be possible through staying responsible and diligent.
