COVID-19 Resources for Meeting Planners

Travel Portland updates this page frequently with the latest information about safety measures and impact on travel.

Updated Oct. 16, 2020 3 min read

Travel Portland, along with the Oregon Health Authority, City of Portland and Multnomah County, are closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in our community. Read on to learn how our hospitality community is working to implement enhanced procedures to safely welcome you to Portland.

Portland’s Current Status

Multnomah County, where Portland is located, entered Phase 1 reopening on June 19. Under Phase 1, the following businesses can operate, with conditions and limits:

dine-in restaurants;
salons, massage parlors, non-medical spas;
fitness centers and gyms; and
malls and businesses within malls.

Note: Individual businesses, restaurants, stores and attractions are determining their own reopening strategies; please check with specific businesses before visiting.

At this time, Multnomah County does not have a projected date to enter Phase 2 reopening.

Statewide Rules

Face Coverings Required

In Oregon, face coverings are required for people age 5 and up in indoor public spaces (restaurants, bars, stores, public transit, gyms, etc.) and in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing is not possible.

Gathering Size Guidelines

The maximum capacity for “gatherings” (groups of individuals meeting for a common purpose including faith-based, civic, cultural and other purposes) in Phase 1 counties is 50 people, either indoors or outdoors.

Once Portland enters Phase 2 (date TBD), the state’s guidelines for venue and event operators will allow maximum gathering capacities of 100 people indoors or 250 people outdoors, not to exceed 250 total, including staff. The actual capacity allowed may be lower due to the size and occupancy limits of a given venue, based on physical distancing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is currently open in Portland?

See our list of open Portland attractions.

Portland is in Phase 1 reopening, which means that dine-in restaurants; salons, massage parlors, non-medical spas; fitness centers and gyms; and malls and businesses within malls are allowed to operate, with conditions and limits.

Note: Not all businesses in these categories are open; please check with specific businesses before visiting.

When will Portland enter Phase 2 reopening?

We don’t know yet. There is no projected date and the county announced on July 7 that it will stay in Phase 1 indefinitely.

Do I have to wear a face mask in Portland?

Yes. In Oregon, people age 5 and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces (grocery stores, pharmacies, public transit, restaurants, bars, retail stores, gyms, etc.) and in outdoor public spaces when physical distancing is not possible. People with a disability or medical condition may request accommodation from the business if they cannot wear one.

Are Portland restaurants open for sit-down dining?

Restaurants in Portland are allowed to reopen for on-site dining with the following guidelines:
– Tables must be spaced at least six (6) feet apart so that at least six (6) feet between parties is maintained, including when customers approach or leave tables.
– All employees are required to wear cloth face or disposable coverings (provided by the employer).
– All on-site consumption of food and drinks by must end by 10 p.m.

Note: Not all restaurants are open for in-person dining; please check with specific businesses before visiting.

What events are happening this week/month/season in Portland?

Oregon’s governor has prohibited large gatherings, so no events are being held at this time. Many previously scheduled events and festivals are canceled or postponed or being held virtually.

What Portland hotels are open now?

This information is changing rapidly; for the latest, we recommend using Google to search for “Portland hotels.” Also note that at some hotels which are open for lodging, facilities and services may be limited, so check with the individual location for details.

If I visit Portland from out of state, do I need to self-quarantine?

There are currently no quarantine rules in effect for visitors to Portland. You should follow the general guidelines on hygiene, social distancing and face coverings, and check this site prior to your trip for the latest guidance.

When will social distancing restrictions in Portland be eased?

We don’t yet know when physical/social distancing restrictions will be lifted in Portland.

Portland International Airport (PDX)

metal and glass canopy over Portland Airport entrances with flowers blooming in the foreground — Portland International Airport

Portland International Airport is open and has implemented increased cleaning and safety practices to protect travelers.

Oregon Convention Center

The Oregon Convention Center is temporarily closed until further notice.

COVID-19 Information From the OCC
OCC Reopening Strategy (PDF)
The OCC is pursuing GBAC STAR Accreditation
Our partners at Fern Expo have launched Health Check

Accommodations

tables set up in a meeting space at the Porter Hotel

Portland hotels’ opening statuses are changing rapidly; for the latest, we recommend using Google to search for “Portland hotels.” Also note that some hotels which are open for lodging may offer limited facilities and services, so check with the individual location for details.

Portland hotels’ certifications and safety and cleaning efforts are highlighted in the property detail pages of our hotel/venue finder.

Hotel Safety Resources

Restaurants & Retail

diners eating at a picnic table at an outdoor food cart pod

Portland restaurants are allowed to open for on-site dining with the following guidelines:

Tables must be spaced at least six (6) feet apart so that at least six (6) feet between parties is maintained, including when customers approach or leave tables.
All employees are required to wear cloth face or disposable coverings (provided by the employer).
All on-site consumption of food and drinks by must end by 10 p.m.

The Portland Mercury offers a list of Portland restaurants currently open for dine-in and/or patio service.

Retail stores are allowed to open with occupancy limits that allow for at least six feet of physical distancing between people in the store.

Note: Many restaurants and stores are still closed to walk-in visitors; please check with specific businesses before visiting.

Transportation

A light rail train passes in front of a modern, glass-encased retail store — MAX Light Rail train in downtown Portland

TriMet, which operates the Portland metro region’s bus and light rail systems is operating, but asks that people use transit only for essential trips. All passengers are required to wear masks. Social distancing has limited space on buses and trains, and many lines are operating on reduced schedules.