Oregon governor Kate Brown spoke at a press conference the afternoon of March 16, 2020. She urged citizens to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, and announced new restrictions on restaurants and other establishments in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus. Dave Killen / staff The Oregonian
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This article was originally published by the Oregonian/OregonLive, one of more than a dozen news organizations throughout the state sharing their coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak to help inform Oregonians about this evolving health issue.
Amid mounting pressure, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown is preparing to issue a statewide stay-at-home order Monday, according to a news report.
A draft reviewed by Willamette Week orders residents to stay in their homes whenever possible and bans nonessential gatherings, according to the newspaper. The draft order allows people to go outside to run or hike, as long as they can stay six feet away from others.
It would close many businesses — including hair salons, gyms, senior centers and theaters, Willamette Week reports.
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It wouldn’t shutter offices, however, but it would require employers to let their workers telecommute as much as possible.
The order is expected to be effective right away, according to the newspaper. It wasn’t immediately clear how long the order would last.
Violating any of Brown’s orders would be a misdemeanor crime, Willamette Week reports.
At least 161 people in Oregon have now been infected by the virus, which has sickened more than 335,000 people worldwide. The true count is likely far higher but isn’t known because of limited testing.
Five people in Oregon have died because of the virus, which is also known as COVID-19.
Brown’s office did not return messages from The Oregonian/OregonLive on Sunday.
