Editor’s note: Call destinations before you visit to make sure they’re open. Stay posted on what Oregon’s phased reopening means for you, and follow these steps for social distancing outdoors. Also, remember to bring your face covering, required for all of Oregon’s public indoor spaces and outdoors when keeping 6 feet of distance isn’t possible. Here’s what to know about Oregon’s outdoors right now.
Top Things To Know:
- Do your research and come prepared
- Face coverings are required
- Physical distancing is expected
- Extra cleaning protocols are in place
- Be patient, flexible and kind
With much of the state in various stages of reopening businesses, many Oregonians are beginning to venture out to some of their favorite establishments. That means you too may be planning to unwind at nearby winery, restaurant or resort. Before you head out the door, it’s important to understand Oregon’s latest regulations and safety standards, so you know what to expect.
Not all counties are in the same stage of phased reopening, so guidelines and restrictions vary depending on where you are. In general, here is what you need to know when planning your outing to a hotel, restaurant or winery.
Planning Pays Off
It’s a good idea to have a good grasp of the changes in place so that you come in with the right expectations and have an enjoyable experience. Some hotels are opting not to reopen all of their amenities, including pools, gyms and spas. Your hotel food options, including continental breakfast, will be served to-go. To find delivery and takeout options, visit Oregon2Go.com. Before visiting a winery, it’s best to call ahead to book an appointment. (Find lots of great info at the Oregon Wine Board’s tasting room reopening directory.) When deciding on a restaurant or lodging facility, look for businesses displaying a Committed to Safety seal in their business or on their website. This designation by the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) indicates that the establishment is in compliance with the best safety practices related to the coronavirus. Reservations for timed entry are also becoming more common at indoor attractions, so make sure to call ahead or go online so that you don’t miss out.
Face Coverings Are Required
At each of these establishments, staff and visitors will be expected to wear face coverings while indoors as they are required for all indoor spaces that are open to the public across Oregon. While some businesses are providing face coverings for customers, it’s a good idea to bring your own. You may remove it while seated at a restaurant or winery, but you must wear it when ordering a wine flight at an indoor tasting room or to use the restroom. For hotel guests, face coverings are not required in your hotel room but must be worn in lobbies, elevators and other common areas.
Physical Distance is the Standard
Wherever you go, expect to see tables spaced at least 6 feet apart from one another, with new or expanded outdoor seating options at many establishments to adhere to physical-distancing guidelines. At wineries’ indoor tasting rooms, you may be enjoying your flight at an outdoor bar instead, having waitstaff pour flights at your table or ordering a pre-poured flight. At some hotels, you’ll find contactless check-ins, which amount to less face time with staff and fewer people in the lobby at any one time.
New Cleaning Standards Are in Place
As you’re considering your hotel stay, know that staff are working to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep you safe with more stringent cleaning protocols. Before you arrive, staff have worked to meticulously clean every common touch point in your room, including light switches, bathroom fixtures and television remotes. Similarly, staff at restaurants and wineries are spending more time disinfecting tables, chairs and menus between customers. All of it may require a little more patience on your part, but keep in mind that it’s for your safety.
Show Your Appreciation With Kindness and a Tip
Frontline staff are working harder everywhere, as the job of enforcing face-covering requirements, social distancing and other protocols falls on their shoulders — making for some potentially contentious conversations. In some cases, winery staff members are also waiting tables, and hotel receptionists are running keys out to guests in their vehicles. In between check-ins, staff are also meticulously cleaning surfaces like tables, chairs and menus to make sure that each visitor is as safe as possible. At restaurants with fewer tables, waitstaff are earning less money than before. Consider showing your appreciation for all of these frontline workers’ hard work by being kind and patient, and leaving a generous tip.
Looking for more? For a visual of what to expect, enjoy the following video from Travel Dundee showcasing the visitor experience with COVID-19 protocols in place.
