[TL-Directors] Updated face covering guidance

[Buzzy Nielsen]

Hi everyone,

On October 19, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) updated their Statewide Mask, Face Covering, Face Shield Guidance<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K.pdf>. This guidance applies to all businesses, public & private workplaces, and the general public. Here are the notable changes that may affect your library operations, both for staff and the public. Emphasis is OHA's.

*       On face shields:
"It is not recommended that individuals wear a face shield instead of a mask or face covering. Face shields can be very good at blocking droplets that individuals release, but they are not as effective at limiting the release of aerosols that can go around the shield."
*       On people gathering in common areas:
"Masks, face coverings or face shields are required at all times for employees, contractors and volunteers in public and private workplaces, including hallways, bathrooms, classrooms, elevators, lobbies, break rooms, meeting rooms and other common and shared spaces, unless employees, contractors or volunteers are at a private, individual workspace not shared with other people."

The guidance linked above gives more details about OHA's recommendations and expectations for use of face coverings by employees, contractors, volunteers, and the public. Among those details are OHA's reasons for not recommending face shields and the limited circumstances where a face shield alone could be warranted.

Please let me know if you have any questions. There's also a wealth of information available on our COVID-19 LibGuide<https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/coronavirus/>.

Buzzy Nielsen, MPP, MSI
Program Manager, Library Support & Development Services,
State Library of Oregon
Pronouns: he/him/his
buzzy.nielsen at state.or.us<mailto:buzzy.nielsen at state.or.us>  |  971-375-3486
www.oregon.gov/library/libraries<http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries>
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