Oregon nears full reopening as 'vaccine passport' debate flares up

Vaccinated Oregonians can forego wearing a face mask in most places so long as they produce what critics call "vaccine passports."

The new rule comes from the Oregon Health Authority's revisions to the state's pandemic restrictions on Tuesday in line with federal guidance from the CDC and Gov. Kate Brown. Private businesses, employers, and places of worship may set face mask guidelines, but only fully vaccinated people may go mask-free. They must provide proof of their vaccination to do so.

In public settings where proof of vaccination is not required, face masks will still be necessary, based on the CDC's guidance. Face masks are required at all times on planes, trains, and other forms of public transportation. On Tuesday, the OHA announced face masks would also be required at all times for all individuals in jails, hospitals, homeless shelters, and K-12 schools. The FDA has yet to approve a COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12-years-old.