Visiting Portland Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Know Before You Go

As of Nov. 13, 2020, Oregon, along with Washington and California, is under a joint travel advisory that urges anyone entering Oregon — either residents returning from a trip, or non-residents entering Oregon on a trip — to quarantine for 14 days. It further advises Oregonians to refrain from any nonessential travel to other states or countries.

Additional restrictions have been put in place as part of a statewide “freeze” from Nov. 18 through at least Dec. 2. These restrictions will be in place for Multnomah County, where Portland is located, for at least four weeks (through Dec. 16):
• Limiting restaurants and bars to take-out only.
• Closing indoor recreational facilities, museums, zoos, pools, gardens, aquariums and indoor and outdoor entertainment activities.
• Closing venues (that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events).
• Limiting social get-togethers (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people, total, from no more than two households.

Please click on the questions below to see the latest information about Oregon travel restrictions and visiting Portland during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is changing quickly, and we do our best to keep this page current.

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Visiting Portland

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

Yes, for 14 days.

On Nov. 13, 2020, Governor Kate Brown issued a travel advisory urging visitors entering Oregon or returning home from travel outside the state to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisory urges against nonessential out-of-state travel and asks people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country.

What is currently open in Portland?

Effective Nov. 18, 2020, the state of Oregon is in a temporary “freeze,” which requires the closure of gyms, indoor recreational facilities, museums, indoor entertainment activities, indoor pools and sports courts, zoos, gardens, aquariums, outdoor entertainment activities and venues that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events.

During the freeze, the following businesses are allowed to operate, with conditions and limits:
– restaurants for delivery and take-out only;
– salons, massage parlors, non-medical spas;
– grocery stores and pharmacies (limited to 75% capacity);
– indoor and outdoor malls and businesses within malls (limited to 75% capacity)

Indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than six people total, from no more than two households.

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

What is the “freeze” in effect Nov. 18, 2020?

Oregon entered a statewide “freeze” on Nov. 18, 2020, with additional restrictions aimed at limiting community spread of COVID-19. These restrictions will be in place for Multnomah County, where Portland is located, for at least four weeks (through Dec. 16), and statewide until at least Dec. 2.

Measures include:
• Limiting restaurants and bars to take-out only.
• Closing indoor recreational facilities, museums, zoos, pools, gardens, aquariums and indoor and outdoor entertainment activities.
• Closing venues (that host or facilitate indoor or outdoor events).
• Limiting social get-togethers (indoors and outdoors) to no more than six people, total, from no more than two households.

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?

Not at this time. During the “freeze” effective Nov. 18–Dec. 16, 2020, restaurants can only open for takeout and delivery.

What events are happening this week/month in Portland?

Oregon’s governor has prohibited large gatherings, so no events are being held at this time. Previously scheduled events and festivals are canceled, postponed or being held virtually. Please check individual event websites for the latest details.

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.

When will Portland enter Phase 2 reopening?

We don’t know. Portland entered Phase 1 of reopening on June 19, 2020, and is currently under additional restrictions as part of a statewide “freeze”. There is no projected date for Multnomah County, where Portland is located, to enter Phase 2.

Do you know when social distancing restrictions in Portland will be eased?

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

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