HOOD RIVER — Hood River, a Columbia River Gorge travel hub, has ordered an immediate halt to discretionary overnight stays, citing the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The measure temporarily bans stays at motels, hotels, short-term vacation rentals, hosted home shares, bed and breakfasts, RV parks and campgrounds, according to the city.

Essential personnel who need lodging so they can do local work are exempt. So are current guests staying at least 30 consecutive days.

People deemed vulnerable by the Hood River County Health Department, potentially including those who are homeless or under quarantine, are also exempt.

The order comes after Gov. Kate Brown on Monday instructed people to stay home except when traveling for essential work, buying food and similar critical supplies or returning to their own homes.

It’s similar to measures taken on the Oregon coast, which saw heavy crowds last weekend, prompting some areas to ask visitors to leave.

The gorge also saw plenty of traffic. Many popular hiking trails, as well as viewing areas at Multnomah Falls, are now closed.

“In the past week, despite statewide restrictions on public gatherings, many visitors have flocked to the Columbia Gorge, gathered in large groups and failed to observe state-mandated six-foot social distancing requirements, thus creating a threat and danger to others,” the city of Hood River said Thursday in a statement announcing the order.

The city’s overnight stay order lasts until April 14, unless it’s extended.

— 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 heath issue.