SALEM — Workers, patients and visitors in health care settings in Oregon will no longer be required to wear masks starting April 3, the Oregon Health Authority announced Friday, March 3.

OHA is rescinding provisions in Oregon Administrative Rule 333-019-1011 that require workers to wear masks in health care settings such as hospitals, mobile clinics, ambulances, outpatient facilities, dental offices, urgent care centers, counseling offices, school-based health centers, complementary and alternative medicine locations. The requirement has been in effect since August 2021.

The decision to end statewide health care mask requirements aligns with decisions in other states, including Washington.

Dean Sidelinger, health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA, said the lifting of Oregon’s health care mask requirement stems from data in recent weeks showing overall decreases in circulation of the three respiratory pathogens that triggered a surge in visits to hospital emergency departments and intensive care units last fall.

As of Friday, March 3, COVID-19 test positivity is at 10% and is expected to continue dropping; influenza test positivity is at 1.2%; and RSV test positivity is at 1.6% (antigen tests) and 3.5% (molecular tests).

The month-long lead-up to the ending of Oregon’s health care mask requirement gives the health care system, local public health authorities and other health partners time to prepare for the change, including adjusting policies, training and procedures that ensure continued patient safety and access.

People at higher risk for severe disease, or who live with someone at higher risk, should still consider wearing masks in health care or any settings, to better protect themselves and those most vulnerable around them, according to OHA. Some health care settings may continue to require masks even after the requirement is lifted.