Cops are called on people violating COVID restrictions in this state

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• In a new “freeze” mandate issued by Oregon Governor Kate Brown limiting the size of gatherings to not more than 6 people, she also urged residents to report to the police people who do not comply with the order. 
• The directive however doesn’t apply to religious groups who can hold gatherings of up to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors. 
• Offenders could be fined or jailed for up to 30 days, according to The Oregonian. 

Oregon Governor Kate Brown unveiled new measures on group activities ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, calling on residents to alert cops on coronavirus violators. 

In an interview on Friday, Brown compared people violating coronavirus measures to a violation of a noise ordinance saying, “What do neighbors do if there’s a party down the street and it’s keeping everyone awake? They call law enforcement because it’s too noisy. This is just like that.” 

In a move to reduce the spread of the virus, Brown issued a two-week freeze on Tuesday that limits the number of people attending indoor and outdoor gatherings to not more than six from no more than two households.   

Violators could face up to $1,250 in fines or 30 days in jail, or both, according to The Oregonian. However, the directive allows religious gatherings of up to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. 

Additionally, the Democratic governor said she would work with state police and local law enforcement to urge Oregonians to comply with the order. 

As of Sunday, Oregon has reached a record high of new coronavirus infections for the third consecutive day, posting 1,517 new infections bringing the state total to 65,170, as per the Oregon Health Authority. 

One reported death of a 65-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Nov. 15 and died the same day, brings the state’s number of deaths to 820. 

Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen encouraged residents to call off indoor Thanksgiving celebrations especially those that involve large gatherings. 

“Oregon is on a steep and stark slope of rising coronavirus cases,” he said. “But we aren’t powerless in the face of this virus. Because it depends on us to slow the spread. Your choices make a difference.”

Source: Fox News