Serving Franklin County, WA
Serving Franklin County, WA
Businesses, residents face new quarantine restrictions over Thanksgiving
UMATILLA - Tri-City area residents won't be likely be headed to Oregon anytime soon to dine in their favorite restaurant or have a drink in their favorite watering hole.
That's because Oregon Gov. Kate Brown this afternoon announced a "two-week freeze," shutting down indoor dining and drinking at businesses, and limiting social gatherings in her state.
"We're about to face what may be the roughest days of the pandemic," she said during a press conference in which she took off her mask to speak. "I'm announcing a two-week freeze for the entire state."
Her announcement comes only hours after she, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a 14-day quarantine "advisory" for anyone traveling.
The "freeze" begins Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 20.
During that time, bars and restaurants will be prohibited from having indoor seating, gyms and other athletic clubs will be shuttered and social gatherings will be limited.
Brown said her order limits attendance at church services to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. She also said social gatherings will be limited to no more than six people from two separate households, including during Thanksgiving dinners.
Grocery and retail stores will be limited to 75% capacity, she said.
The new quarantine orders follow an increase is coronavirus cases in the state, she said.
"The majority of these cases stem from sporadic community spread," she said. "Every day, it's infecting more and more Oregonians. It's a very dangerous situation."
Brown said businesses should have employees work remotely.
"I'm also asking Oregonians to wear a mask at all times," she said.
Roger Harnack is the co-owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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