Non-essential travel advisories issued for Oregon, California and Washington

In light of rising cases, West Coast states issue travel advisories recommending 14-day quarantines for inter-state and international travel; asks residents to stay local

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Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon

Less than two-weeks ahead of Thanksgiving, three West Coast Democrat Governors issue travel advisories against non-essential interstate travel and also advise limitations to interactions with only people of their own household.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has joined California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Washington Governor Jay Inslee in urging non-essential visitors entering their states or returning home from travel outside these states to 14-day self-quarantine.

The travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, ask people to self-quarantine for 14-days after arriving from another state or country, and encourage residents to stay local.

“COVID-19 does not stop at state lines. As hospitals across the West are stretched to capacity, we must take steps to ensure travelers are not bringing this disease home with them,” said Governor Brown. “If you do not need to travel, you shouldn’t. This will be hard, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. But the best way to keep your family safe is to stay close to home.”

In addition to urging individuals arriving from other states or countries to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival, the states’ travel advisories recommend individuals limit their interactions to their immediate household. The advisories define essential travel as travel for work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.

“California just surpassed a sobering threshold – one million COVID-19 cases – with no signs of the virus slowing down,” said Governor Newsom. “Increased cases are adding pressure on our hospital systems and threatening the lives of seniors, essential workers and vulnerable Californians. Travel increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, and we must all collectively increase our efforts at this time to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”

“COVID cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks. This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March,” Governor Inslee said. “Limiting and reducing travel is one way to reduce the further spread of the disease. I am happy to partner with California and Oregon in this effort to help protect lives up and down the West Coast.”

Oregon Travel Advisory

The incidence of COVID-19 is increasing in many states and countries. Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or Oregonians returning from other states or countries could increase the risk of COVID-19 spread. In addition, travel itself can be a risk for exposure to COVID-19, particularly travel through shared conveyance such as air, bus or rail travel.

Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel

Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14-days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.

Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.

Essential travel includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.

Oregonians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to Oregon.