County in Oregon reverses mask policy for people of color

Lincoln County, Ore. (News Nation/KOIN) —A county in Oregon said backlash and “horrifically racist commentary” forced leaders to reverse their decision to exempt people of color from wearing face masks.

Lincoln County, located about 130 miles from Portland, made face coverings mandatory on June 17. In their initial order, people of color were exempt from wearing a mask if they were concerned about racial profiling or harassment, a decision that has gained national attention.

Now, that decision has been reversed after leaders said it made people of color “possible targets for more hate.”

On Wednesday, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners and Management Team released a statement saying the reversal comes after receiving several calls from leaders in their communities of color.

“We are shocked and appalled at the volume of horrifically racist commentary we have received regarding this policy exception. The vitriol that county leadership, staff, and community partners, have been subjected to is unprecedented. All this only a month after George Floyd’s death,” the statement said.,   

County officials said despite the decision, they will continue to recognize and fight racism.

People with medical conditions, disabilities and children under the age of 12 are still exempt under the order.

You can find the full order here.