Updated March 17, 2023
This webpage provides general workplace guidance for businesses in Multnomah County, Oregon. Certain sectors may have additional guidance that differs from the guidance below.
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Schools
- Long-term care facilities
See OHA’s Investigative Guidelines for more about these special situations.
If an employee tests positive or has COVID-19 symptoms
Employees with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms may return to work when:
- It has been at least 5 days since their symptoms started or 5 days from their positive COVID test if they never had any symptoms, AND
- Their COVID-19 symptoms are mild, improved, and they are feeling well enough to perform their work duties, AND
- It has been at least 24 hours since they have had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication, AND
- They are able to wear a well-fitted mask around other people for 5 additional days
Employers must allow any employees who were required to quarantine or isolate to return to their previous job duties. People with COVID-19 who are immunocompromised should stay home for at least 10 days.
Testing
Multnomah County does not recommend employers require proof
- of a positive test for a sick worker to stay at home.
- of a negative test to return to work. If an employer does require a test to return to work, the employer must pay for or provide the test.
Employees should still complete the return-to-work requirements listed above before returning.
Employee Notification
Do I need to notify my employees if there is a positive case at the workplace?
Employers should notify employees who had a work-related exposure (close contact) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. They should also notify those who worked in the same facility that someone who was present in the facility has confirmed COVID-19. (OSHA Rule Addressing COVID-19 Workplace Risks Page 26, Section (5)(d))
Employers must make every effort to protect an employee’s private health information, even in smaller work environments.
Does an employee have to tell me if they have tested positive for COVID-19?
Employees are not required to report if they test positive for COVID-19. If an employee does choose to share information with you, you must make every effort to keep employee health information protected.
If an employee had close contact with someone with COVID-19, do they need to stay home from work?
Except for in certain high-risk settings like hospitals or long-term care facilities they do not need to stay home from work after a close contact. They should monitor themselves and stay home if they develop symptoms.
Do I need to notify public health?
Facilities or businesses in Multnomah County with 2 or more confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19 with established close contact should contact our Communicable Disease Services team at 503-9898-3406
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Request
Organizations in Multnomah County can request PPE such as
- Disposable paper masks
- Sanitizer wipes
- Gloves
Fill out the Community Resource Request Form and our team will reach out with what we have available to provide.
Masks
Businesses and organizations can require masks if they want to. Workers, patients and visitors in health care settings will no longer be required to wear masks starting April 3, 2023. Oregon Mask and Safety Guidance
Mask signs to post:
All Are Welcome (Multi-lingual) (186.5 KB)
Masks Required Poster (Multi-lingual) (52.76 KB)
More resources
Responding to COVID Checklist OHA
Oregon OSHA: Guidance Related to Covid-19
Indoor Air Considerations for Smaller Spaces OHA
Contact Us
If you receive a report of an employee or employees with a positive COVID-19 test and have questions about how to proceed, you can call the Multnomah County Health Department at 503-988-3406 or email diseasereport@multco.us.
