The Senate chambers at the Oregon State Capitol building, May 18, 2021.
The Oregon State Capitol reopened to the public Monday, but much of the building will remain inaccessible due to construction as part of a major accessibility and safety renovation project that will continue through the end of the year.
Following a 16-month closure due to the pandemic, the Oregon State Capitol reopened to the public Monday.
House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney issued a joint statement announcing the Capitol’s reopening now that more than 70% of Oregonians ages 18 and over have now been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“We are extremely grateful to Oregonians for stepping up to help beat this pandemic. With new guidance from the Oregon Health Authority and the lifting of county risk levels, we are excited to expand entry to the Capitol today to include members of the public,” the statement said.
Photo: ODOT
Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek today released the following statement on the expansion of public entry in the Oregon State Capitol:
“The last year has been extremely hard on our state. Oregonians have suffered devastating wildfires, an ice storm, a historic heatwave, and extreme drought. Through it all, we have battled a global pandemic that has dramatically changed our daily lives.
“Last March, we consulted with infectious disease doctors and public health officials about what changes were needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Capitol. In the end, we made the very difficult decision to limit Capitol entry to legislators, essential staff, and members of the press.
Photo: ODOT
Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek today released the following statement on the expansion of public entry in the Oregon State Capitol:
“The last year has been extremely hard on our state. Oregonians have suffered devastating wildfires, an ice storm, a historic heatwave, and extreme drought. Through it all, we have battled a global pandemic that has dramatically changed our daily lives.
“Last March, we consulted with infectious disease doctors and public health officials about what changes were needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Capitol. In the end, we made the very difficult decision to limit Capitol entry to legislators, essential staff, and members of the press.
Photo: ODOT
Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek today released the following statement on the expansion of public entry in the Oregon State Capitol:
“The last year has been extremely hard on our state. Oregonians have suffered devastating wildfires, an ice storm, a historic heatwave, and extreme drought. Through it all, we have battled a global pandemic that has dramatically changed our daily lives.
“Last March, we consulted with infectious disease doctors and public health officials about what changes were needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Capitol. In the end, we made the very difficult decision to limit Capitol entry to legislators, essential staff, and members of the press.
Photo: ODOT
Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Tina Kotek today released the following statement on the expansion of public entry in the Oregon State Capitol:
“The last year has been extremely hard on our state. Oregonians have suffered devastating wildfires, an ice storm, a historic heatwave, and extreme drought. Through it all, we have battled a global pandemic that has dramatically changed our daily lives.
“Last March, we consulted with infectious disease doctors and public health officials about what changes were needed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Capitol. In the end, we made the very difficult decision to limit Capitol entry to legislators, essential staff, and members of the press.