All bowling alleys, skating rinks can reopen

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 23, 2020

The Oregon Health Authority says it’s OK to resume bowling and roller skating in the handful of counties where that hadn’t been allowed previously.

New rules issued Thursday allow up to 50 people at bowling alleys and skating rinks in “Phase One” counties, including the metro-area counties of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Malheur County in southeast Oregon.

The businesses will have to abide by several restrictions, which OHA laid out in a five-page order.

The new rules come after Oregon COVID-19 cases spiked in early October, breaking records from earlier in the pandemic. Cases have leveled off in the last week or so, but public health officials remain concerned about the potential for spread as Oregonians are likely to spend more time indoors over the upcoming winter months. At the same time, several officials, including Gov. Kate Brown, are interested in resuming certain activities, including the resumption of in-person school.

While the order allows up to 50 people, either outdoors or indoors, an individual bowling alley or skating arena has to maintain limits based on its size and space.

Oregon Public Broadcasting is a news partner of the Portland Tribune. Their full story can be found