An Oregon State Police car (Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons).
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Oregon’s not under martial law and you can still cast your fishing pole.
Police say they’ve been batting down rumors about police controls and arrests since Gov. Kate Brown on Monday directed people to stay home unless they are going to work, shopping for necessities or engaging in activities that don’t involve a crowd.
The order has left many with questions that people are turning to police to answer.
Salem Police Lt. Treven Upkes said one woman called asking if she’s allowed to get past road blocks.
There are none.
Others have asked if they’re still allowed to do housekeeping or sell things on Facebook Marketplace, Upkes said.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jeremy Landers said the most common question has been if people are still allowed to go to work and if they need a pass or permit to do so.
Oregon State Police answered that question in a fact sheet by stating no passes are required and “as long as employees are not conducting business that is prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the worksite.”
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office shared the Oregon State Police’s response to some of the most frequently asked questions the agency has been getting on its Facebook page.
“Law enforcement from across the state is really communicating about the best way to go through this,” Landers said.
The Oregon State Police questions and answers are listed below:
?
No, not even close. There are no curfews and a person’s movements are not restricted under the Governor’s Executive Order. While details are offered in the order relating to social distancing, specific business closures and non-essential social gatherings- Oregonian’s movements are generally unrestricted.
?
No. The Governor’s Executive Order closes certain businesses, outlined in section (2). These businesses reflect operations that would make close contact difficult or impossible to avoid. Officers are not asking or looking for any type of special paperwork from your employer.
, ?
No. There is no special documentation or placards for people going to work or permitted activities.
?
Not for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order, which specifically outlines efforts to avoid large gatherings- not restrict the movement of Oregonians. If, however, you are committing a traffic violation or crime that would be enforced independent of the order, you may be stopped, like any other day.
?
No, traffic is moving freely within Oregon and our border states. There are no roadblocks or restrictions of vehicle movement. Washington State is operating under a similar executive order from their Governor, so Oregonians should be aware of these provisions when traveling in their state.
, ? ’ ?
While the order prohibits the public from congregating at a closed business, the employer may still have work to do on site. As long as employees are not conducting business that is prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the worksite. No “passes” or paperwork is required.
?
Yes, generally. Some rest areas are connected to parks, which are currently closed to comply with the Executive Order.
’ ?
People that violate the Governor’s Order in an Emergency Declaration could be arrested or cited, which is a C Misdemeanor- the lowest level of criminal conduct designation. All Oregon law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is extremely undesirable and we hope to educate Oregonians if congregating in violation of the Governor’s Order. Citation or arrest would be an extreme last resort if a person failed to comply with the lawful direction of a police officer.
, ?
Police know our children don’t often take their parent’s advice and may ignore direction when away. Like adults found to be congregating in a location, officers will likely approach the youths and educate them on the order. Citations and arrest are extremely unlikely, reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.
?
Yes. Oregonians can still recreate outdoors, if their recreational activity involves non-contact with others and they can maintain appropriate social distancing- which is defined as 6 feet or more from others. Oregonians and visitors to our state should be aware most campgrounds and boat ramps are closed, so you should research your plans before recreating.
?
No. The level of this violation is not for reporting police, fire or medical emergencies through 911. People may choose to self-educate their fellow Oregonians or if a large gathering is noted, they may call their respective police agency’s non-emergency number.
Contact reporter Saphara Harrell: [email protected].
