In response to the COVID 19 epidemic, Governor Kate Brown joined nearly a dozen other governors on Monday issuing a sweeping order (Executive Order 20-12) that essentially requires people to stay home except for essential travel, such as to the grocery store or for medical needs. Violation of the Order is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $1,250.
As of 12:01 a.m. on March 24, a long list of businesses (from amusement parks to youth clubs) were ordered shuttered. Most likely, the list of businesses ordered to close does not affect a manufactured home park, RV park or floating home community; however, community owners should review the list of businesses to ensure compliance.
Although “campgrounds” were ordered closed, RV parks are exempted.
Pools, sports courts and playgrounds must be closed.
The Governor's order does not change her previous order (Executive Order 20-07) with respect to restaurants, bars, and other establishments that serve food and drink, which Order prohibits on-premises consumption of food or drink but allows take-out or delivery services.
Outdoor Activities
Governor Brown's order specifically allows people to be outside for walking or hiking but any outdoor activity that cannot be done while maintaining social distancing (i.e. basketball) is prohibited. State and community parks may remain open if social distancing can be maintained and signage about social distancing must be prominently displayed.
Employees
Effective March 25, all businesses in Oregon shall facilitate telework and work at home by employees, to the maximum extent possible. Work in offices is prohibited whenever telework and work at home options are available, in light of position duties, availability of teleworking equipment, and network adequacy. In other words, your employees do not have to work from home if their duties require them to be on site (maintenance workers) or if they are not set up to work from home (they don’t have the ability or capability from working from home).
Social Distancing Policy
When telework is unavailable, businesses must designate an employee to establish, implement and enforce social distancing policies, consistent with the guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. Such policies must address how the business or non-profit will maintain social distancing protocols for business-critical visitors.
Bill Miner | Davis Wright TremaineLLP
1300 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 2300 | Portland, OR 97201
Tel: (503) 778-5477 | Fax: (503) 778-5299
Email: billminer@dwt.com| Website: www.dwt.com
If you do not yet have a policy in place, you should contact your legal or human resource advisor to assist you with the drafting of a social distancing policy. Please note that DWT is offering a draft policy at a fixed price for MHCO members.
