SALEM â The Oregon Capitol in Salem reopened to the public Monday, ending a nearly 16-month lock down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislative leaders, who control the Capitolâs operations, closed the statehouse to the public on March 18, 2020. The move came 10 days after Gov. Kate Brown had declared a state emergency over the virus that would go on to kill more than 600,000 people in the United States. House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, and Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, said health officials had recommended access to the Capitol be severely limited until infections fell below 50 per 100,000 population in Marion County, which includes Salem.