This evening, the Oregon Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling that invalidated Governor Brown’s recent stay at home executive orders, which have prevented more than 70,000 COVID-19 infections across the state and averted approximately 1,500 hospitalizations. As a result, the Governor’s executive orders remain in place until further consideration by the court. These orders impose certain requirements and limitations aimed at slowing the spread of the disease. Yesterday a Baker County circuit court judge blocked Governor Brown’s “stay home to save lives” orders.
In response to the earlier lower court ruling, Governor Brown had issued a statement that said in part: “The science behind these executive orders hasn’t changed one bit. Ongoing physical distancing, staying home as much as possible, and wearing face coverings will save lives across Oregon. Together Oregonians have turned the tide on the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to only now begin the process of gradually and safely reopening parts of our communities and our economies.” The Baker County court ruling is now on hold and Governor Brown’s emergency declaration and executive orders remain in place pending further arguments.