SALEM, Ore. --- Beginning next Wednesday, Oregonians in some of the state's most populous counties will be required to wear face masks when they are in public indoor spaces such as grocery stores and shops to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Although the new requirement is set to go into effect in less than a week, it remains unclear what repercussions people face if they do not follow it.
Gov. Kate Brown said Thursday people won't be ticketed or arrested for not wearing masks.
The new face covering mandate pertains to residents in Clackamas, Hood River, Lincoln, Polk, Marion, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Brown said the seven counties were chosen based on population density, the spread of coronavirus and the vulnerability of the communities.
Watch KEZI 9 News starting at 4:00 p.m. Friday to see how this new rule affects universities in our viewing area.