March 23, 2020

Dear Reed community,

Today, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a statewide Executive Order in support of “Stay Home, Save Lives.” The goal of the Executive Order is to reduce person-to-person interaction and slow the transmission of COVID-19 in Oregon. The order comes at the same time as “shelter in place” orders issued by other states. Oregon's order attempts to offer greater specificity by identifying which businesses must close. It also establishes legally-enforceable restrictions on public activity.

Executive Order 20-12 outlines more stringent social-distancing, including the following:

• All business and nonprofit entities with offices in Oregon shall facilitate telework and work-at-home by employees, to the maximum extent possible. When telework is not possible or work-at-home options are not available, the business or nonprofit must create plans to establish social distancing. When individuals need to leave their homes or residences, they should at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person who is not a member of their immediate household, to the greatest extent possible, and comply with other guidance related to social-distancing requirements issued by the Oregon Health Authority.
• Individuals may go outside for recreational activities (walking, hiking, etc.) but must limit those activities to non-contact and are prohibited from engaging in outdoor activities where it is not possible to maintain appropriate social distancing (six feet or more between individuals).

How does this new Executive Order impact Reed?

The college has and will continue to follow the state’s orders. This new Executive Order may have impacts on some operations of the college, including but not limited to residential life, facilities, community safety, and food services. The order includes many exceptions for businesses and other services deemed essential, and the college is swiftly evaluating our current operational plans and adjusting accordingly.

Sincerely,

Mike Brody
Vice President for Student Life, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force

Hugh Porter
Vice President for College Relations, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force