At the June 22, 2020 City Council meeting, the Astoria Mayor and Councilors expressed unanimous support for Clatsop County to request to be added to the list of counties requiring face coverings for businesses under Governor Brown’s County Specific Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance. A link to Governor Brown’s guidance document can be found at: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351j.pdf
The City Council also stated it would enact its own mandatory face covering policy, should the County choose not to request to implement the Governor’s policy county-wide.
According to Mayor Bruce Jones, “We are now settling in to what will be a very long Phase Two period where we must both sustain our local economy and mitigate the risk of virus spread, while getting out and enjoying our community without fear. The consensus in the scientific community is clear that the greatest risk of virus transmission is remaining in the close vicinity of others, especially indoors, over time, and that consistent mask wearing while in those environments, along with physical distancing, significantly reduces the risk.”
Jones also said “carrying a mask, and wearing it when required or when unable to maintain physical distancing, must become routine and second nature. We can enjoy life, support our local businesses and stay safe, by continuing to follow basic public health guidelines as long as COVID-19 remains a threat.”
For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 503-325-5824.
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