Hospital mask mandates may change soon, Oregon Health Authority says

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In Oregon, health care settings like doctors’ offices and hospitals are the only places still under a mask mandate -- but that may change soon.

During a media briefing on Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority's Dr. Dean Sidelinger said hospitalizations are expected to continue trending downward. Among Oregonians 18 and older, 86.6% received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 24.5% have also gotten a booster.

“If these trends continue, we anticipate being able to safely lift the healthcare masking requirements over the coming months,” Sidelinger said.   

Overall, respiratory virus hospitalizations have declined significantly.