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Execution of wishes, until the closing of the “Red Warning Notice”; say politicians calling for faster ‘irresponsible’ reopening
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Governor Kate Brown issued a stern warning Thursday that Oregon companies that defy her executive orders, which she says have reduced the spread of COVID-19, will have to be subject to fines or even a “ red warning ” notice of closure.
The red warnings apply to companies that appear to be willfully violating governor decrees or refuse to take corrective action, the governor’s office said.
These businesses are closed until the dangerous situation is corrected. Violating a red warning carries severe penalties, they added.
Under Oregon OSHA rules, a red warning can close a business under the Oregon Safe Employment Act until “the condition has been made safe and sanitary.”
Some businesses in central Oregon and elsewhere have vowed to reopen as early as Friday, Jan. 1, despite state COVID-19 risk levels prohibiting such a move, saying they have been treated unfairly because of Other large companies remain open and can therefore do so safely with the measures in place.
Here is Governor Brown’s full statement:
“Oregon’s health and safety measures are in place to protect the people of Oregon, save lives and prevent our hospitals and health workers from being overwhelmed by COVID-19. The people of Oregon have made incredible sacrifices throughout this pandemic and now many communities in Oregon are reducing the spread of COVID-19 and moving to levels of risk that allow restaurants and businesses to reopen at least some domestic services.
“If businesses reopen too early and instead create new spikes in COVID-19 cases, the actions of a few business owners could push entire communities back and keep them in the extreme risk category for even longer.
“It is unfortunate and irresponsible that some local politicians are deliberately choosing to mislead business owners by endangering public health and risking fines, instead of working with their communities to help stop the spread of COVID -19 so we can reopen businesses, schools, etc. quickly return to normal life.
“Let me be clear: locally elected officials do not have the power under Oregon law to disregard my emergency orders or to authorize anyone to do so. Any businesses that reopen in violation of the state’s risk level requirements for their county will be subject to fines and penalties.
“There is no doubt that the same locally elected officials who encourage businesses to completely reopen and blatantly ignore public health are unlikely to face business backs when faced with fines and penalties,” nor are they willing to be held accountable for public health. impacts that their actions create.
“I urge all businesses in Oregon to put the health of their communities first by following the guidance we have in place for their counties. A large majority of businesses continue to do whatever it takes to protect their communities. However, when Oregonians don’t take COVID-19 seriously and take action to reduce the spread of the disease, they are putting us all at risk.
“I have asked Oregon OSHA and OLCC to deploy all available resources to ensure business compliance. I expect law enforcement agencies to continue to use an education-focused approach, but Oregon’s need to understand that these rules are enforceable under the law. For businesses that refuse to comply, OSHA and OLCC staff are authorized to take administrative action, including issuing citations, fines, and red warnings if necessary.
“Oregon has led our response to COVID-19, and help is underway for struggling businesses. I proposed new resources for corporate rent relief at the Third Special Session, and expect a new round of federal aid to be delivered soon. We cannot hesitate in our response to the virus now, when the end is finally in sight and the resources are on their way. We are better than that. As we enter the New Year, I once again call on all Oregonians to commit to making smart choices and taking their individual responsibilities seriously during a public health emergency.
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