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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (May 21, 2021)
MAY 21, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A5 Confused about masking? Blood drive at You're not alone, this is the latest By ERIC A. HOWALD Of the Keizertimes Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) offi cials updated mask- ing requirements throughout the state. Combined with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, what’s required and where is enigmatic and, sometimes, outright confusing. Under the updated guidance, people who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask indoors or in most public settings where vaccination status is checked. In public settings where vaccination status is not checked, masks will still be required. Residents are con- sidered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfi zer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In a press conference Friday, May 14, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist, said state residents have a choice: get the COVID-19 vaccination or continue to wear masks and social distance. Retail businesses and restaurants can relax their masking requirements, but need to confi rm the vaccination status of customers before permitting maskless entry. Businesses and venue operators remain free to establish their own, more restrictive policies regarding mask usage. Businesses, employers and faith insti- tutions can choose to no longer require masks and physical distancing for fully vaccinated individuals or continue to require masks and physical distancing in their locations for all individuals, regard- less of vaccination status.OHA health experts announced that mask requirements no longer apply to anyone who is outdoors. However, OHA recom- mends that indi- viduals continue to wear a mask or face covering in crowded areas and large gatherings (such as sporting events), and to maintain physical dis- tance as much as possible. OHA urges unvaccinated individuals and those at risk for complications to wear masks in these settings. Masks and physical distancing are still required for everyone on public transpor- tation and in schools, hospitals and clin- ics, homeless shelters, youth and adult correctional facilities and long-term care facilities. Those 12 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, but there are no vaccination options for younger children as yet. Marion County is still at the highest KPD paying extra attention to seat belt usage this month During the month of May, members of the Keizer Police Traffi c Safety Unit will be participating in the national “Click it or Ticket” campaign. Offi cers will be dedicated to edu- cating and enforcing laws related to speeding, using electronic devices while driving, seatbelts and child occu- pant safety. In addition, offi cers will be working diligently to take impaired drivers off the road. Funding for these activities is paid for by state grants. level of risk for COVID-19 infection with more than 1,000 cases confi rmed in the past two weeks and an 8.3% COVID test positivity rate. While the number of cases and positive tests are declining in Marion County, it is doing so at a slower rate than other areas of the state and nation. Both of the met- rics used to measure risk, the num- ber of cases per 100,000 and test positivity, are well above state averages in Marion County. Brown said capacity restrictions on dine-in restaurants and stores could be lifted when at least 70% of Oregonians eligible for vaccination have received at least one dose. On their face, the new guidelines appear to contradict recent changes suggested by the CDC, which indicated fully vaccinated people no longer needed masks or to maintain social distance from others, but the state, local, tribal and ter- ritorial guidelines supersede the CDC guidance. Vaccination remains the best tool to combat the spread of COVID-19. It’s eff ec- tiveness against variants and stopping the spread of the infection to others have been key to turning the tide on a more than yearlong pandemic. St. Ed's May 27 The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at St. Edward Catholic Church on Thursday, May 27, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. To donate blood, sched- ule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or sign up online at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code: stedwardskeizer. Clean up at Wallace House Claggett Creek Watershed Council is hosting a cleanup/planting project at Wallace House Park Saturday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The eff ort will focus on removing black berry bushes by digging the roots up as well as removing ivy from trees. Organizers are requesting that par- ticipants bring shovels, wheelbarrows, pitch forks, garbage cans and pruning shears that are clearly labeled with an indication of ownership. Thick leather gloves and weather/work-appropriate are encouraged. Lunch and water will be provided. Although we are currently closed we are still serving the community. More than a building, a center without walls. The Keizer Police Department understands the month of May, and specifi cally Memorial Day weekend, is thought of as the unoffi cial start to sum- mer. The Keizer Police Department hopes your activities are fi lled with laughter, enjoyment and responsible safe travel. For questions concerning traffi c safety, please contact Sgt. David LeDay at 503-390- 3713 ext. 3482 or email at Ledayd@keizer.or. Cat of the Week Name: RUBY Age: 2 HISTORY: Ruby is a very aff ectionate and quiet cat who loves attention. She likes to climb on people and be held. We are still working hard to bring you programs, activites, and services that you rely on. Ruby is a grey domestic short hair tabby. Stay up to date and connect — www.facebook.com/center50plus PREFERRED HOME: Ruby is looking for a home with no other cats or children under the age of 8. WE HAVE MOVED >>> Our new location is 4157 Cherry Avenue, Keizer <<< 503-362-5611 VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING • REASSURANCE CALLS • FOOD & CARE BOXES Fit 50+ YouTube Fitness Class REGISTER AT WEBSITE BELOW ZOOM CHAT Reconnect with our drop-in groups. Give us your name and phone number as well as the name of the class you wish to attend. Email us: Connect50plus@cityofsalem.net www.cityofsalem.net/center50 | 503-588-6303 | 2615 Portland Road NE
