What you need to know about spring break travel and COVID-19 in Oregon

Spring break is almost here, and with it many trapped Oregonians eager to go on vacation.

Oregon schools will be held during spring break from March 22-26, and while many families may dream of sunnier places, the Oregon Health Authority still recommends that Oregonians stay in their area and do not not travel to other states or countries, in order to avoid further spread of COVID-19[FEMININE[FEMININE

These recommendations could lead to an influx of travelers to local tourist towns and popular outdoor recreation areas in Oregon, some of which saw a boom in popularity last summer.

What these travelers are actually able to do, however, will be dictated by state officials, who assign each county in Oregon a level of risk based on the current spread of COVID-19. These risk levels determine things like indoor dining and the capacity of museums and other attractions. This is a big change from last year, when the coronavirus pandemic effectively canceled spring break. As the holidays return for 2021, the unseen threat remains.

Here’s what you need to know about Spring Break in Oregon this year.

WHAT IS THE RISK OF THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN OREGON?

State officials review risk assessments for each county in Oregon every two weeks and recently updated that information on March 9, with new risk levels coming into effect March 12-26.

Most counties are currently at “low” or “moderate” risk, although nine counties are at “high” risk, while two are at “extreme” risk. You can see a full list of county-by-county risk levels on coronavirus.oregon.gov.

The good news for Oregon travelers is that the biggest tourist cities are in counties where the risk of the spread is lower, meaning more businesses will be open to more people. This includes the counties on the northern part of the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge, as well as those around the tourist towns of Bend and Joseph.

Problem areas remain in southwestern Oregon and large swathes of the Willamette Valley around Salem, which remain at higher risk.

Travelers planning to hit the road after March 26 should be prepared to deal with a potential change in risk levels, which could affect what is allowed to be opened in a given county. This information will be announced on Tuesday March 23.

There are no holiday safe practices we have become accustomed to, including wearing face masks in all public indoor spaces as well as outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. The Oregon Health Authority recommends that anyone arriving in Oregon from another state quarantine for 14 days – a period that can be reduced to 10 days without symptoms or to 7 days with a negative COVID-19 test. Oregonians are urged to stay close to home and avoid non-essential travel to other states.

WILL THE RESTAURANTS BE OPEN FOR INDOOR DINNER?

Restaurants are allowed to seat people indoors in counties that are at “high” risk or less at various capacities.

Restaurants in “high” risk counties can operate dining at 25% capacity, while restaurants in “moderate” and “low” risk categories can operate at 50% capacity. This could translate to shorter wait times for indoor tables at restaurants in places like Cannon Beach and Hood River.

Al fresco dining is also an option at many restaurants, some of which have expanded their outdoor space during the pandemic. Indoor tables tend to be more popular when available, especially on cold or rainy days, so those who wish to brave the elements might find it easier to sit down.

WHAT ABOUT MUSEUMS, AQUARIUMS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS?

Museums and other indoor attractions are allowed to operate at any level of risk, but like restaurants, the number of people allowed inside varies. At “high” risk, indoor attractions can operate at 25% capacity, while those in “moderate” or “low” risk counties can open at 50% capacity.

Those in “extreme” risk counties are only allowed to have six clients at a time and may not see any benefit to open at all.

In fact, whether or not a given attraction is open is entirely up to the owners, who can decide to play it safe and stay closed this spring. Be sure to check back before making any plans to go somewhere, and stay up to date by checking out their social media channels.

Also, keep in mind that indoor attractions will impose face masks and social distancing between households, among other public health precautions. Check the rules of the attraction you plan to visit and show up prepared.

READ MORE: What to expect at Oregon attractions this spring break 2021

WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR THE HOTELS?

Oregon hotels, resorts, and lodges are open, but the experience of staying at one will be very different from the past. Companies have made many changes in response to COVID-19, and the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association has helpfully created its Committed to Safety designation which indicates that a company is in compliance with all public health regulations.

The most obvious change is the requirement for a face mask, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has been in the world in the past year or so. Face masks should be worn in all public indoor areas of a hotel, and some may require them in all outdoor areas as well. A trend in the accommodation industry is contactless check-in, removing face-to-face interactions in the lobby.

Swimming pools, fitness centers, and other amenities are allowed to be open, although hotels can choose to keep them closed or at least implement new restrictions, such as a limit on the number of people allowed at a time. Be sure to check with the hotel before packing your swimsuit.

You can also expect additional cleaning protocols for your room as well as shared spaces throughout the building. Hotels now go the extra mile to clean and sanitize rooms between visitors, so be sure to tip housekeeping staff for all their extra work.

WILL PARKS AND CAMPAGES BE OPEN?

Virtually all of the outdoor recreation areas that closed at the start of the pandemic have since reopened, although some may be closed this spring due to seasonal or maintenance closures. Popular outdoor destinations can get extremely crowded this spring (like last year), so be prepared for the crowds and don’t illegally park if a park or trail is full.

Oregon state land agencies require people to wear face masks in all indoor areas, including restrooms, as well as any outdoor areas where it is not possible to stay at least six feet from others. people, like crowded viewpoints and hiking trails.

Campgrounds are also back this spring and promise to stay as busy as ever, even in the most remote places. One big change this year is a new one-day “rest period” between visitors to all cabins and yurts in Oregon State Parks. This could take these facilities out of service several days a week, making them even more competitive to book.

WHAT ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES SHOULD I BRING?

With all the changing restrictions and closures, you might want to spend a little more time than usual making extra preparations, just in case.

Face masks, now a staple of everyday life, are necessary as they are mandatory in all indoor public places and in some more crowded outdoor areas. Restaurants that allow indoor dining typically require patrons to wear face masks when moving around the restaurant, and face masks are usually needed when walking around small towns, where there are no. no place to separate from others.

When packing your car, it is wise to bring toiletries. Most rest areas in Oregon are open, but in the event of a closure (or an emergency), it’s good to have an emergency restroom plan. It could mean a car toilet or emergency toilet paper and a trowel. Just be sure to use an appropriate environmental label when relieving yourself outdoors.

Carrying toilet paper in your car is always a good idea, especially in areas where toilets or portable toilets are not maintained very often. You should also bring hand sanitizer or hand soap, along with extra water, both for cleaning and for drinking.

HOW ELSE SHOULD I BE PREPARED?

The best way to prepare for Spring Break this year is to stay flexible in your plans. Don’t count on your favorite spot open with your beloved park empty or that restaurant having a table available.

With more local tourists descending on places operating at limited capacities, you can expect much greater competition for the more popular activities.

Make a plan B, C or even D, in case your first choice is closed or too busy. It may mean skipping your traditional spring break, but it also means an opportunity to try something new. This spring break is all about staying safe and flexible.

And don’t forget to be patient and kind to your fellow travelers and the people who work at local businesses. Oregon may open up a bit more this spring, but keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is underway – you don’t have to be a jerk because you are enjoying the new freedoms that are granted to us.

–Jamie Hale; [email protected]; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB