🌱 No More Masks In Healthcare Settings + Concealed Carry Petition

Good morning, hello! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Salem Patch newsletter. Let's get this week started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Rain/snow shower, up to 1". High: 49 Low: 32.
• Tuesday: An afternoon shower or two. High: 49 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories in Salem today:

1. On Friday, Mar. 3, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced that starting Apr. 3, masks will no longer be required in healthcare settings. For the first time since August 2021, no one will be required to wear masks in any healthcare setting, including hospitals, ambulances, outpatient facilities, or dental offices. According to OHA, the mask mandate was lifted due to the expiration of Executive Order 22-24 on Mar. 6 and the improvements of those who test positive for COVID-19. (ABC 4 News)
2. Joel Pawloski, the Chair of the Marion County Republicans, initiated a proposal titled "making it legal to carry concealed firearms without a permit a right," that was submitted to the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. The petition argues that it is unconstitutional to require a person to get a permit before carrying a gun and if it is passed, Oregonians will be able to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The proposed petition paperwork will be included on the 2024 ballot if it is approved by the Secretary of State's office and receives more than 160,000 signatures. (Newsbreak)
3. The Salem Academy High School boys basketball team, the Crusaders, won the state championship at the (Oregon School Activities Association) OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A tournament! On Saturday night, Mar. 4, the Crusaders won 51 to 37 against defending champion Pioneers at the Pendleton Convention Center. (OSAA.org)

Today and tomorrow in Salem:

Monday, March 6

• Yoga At Physiq Fitness South Salem (5:00 PM)
• Join CCRD: Recruitment & Info Night At Cherry City Roller Derby (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, March 7

• HFMA Exhibition-Hidden Histories: Ancient Art from the Permanent Collections At Hallie Ford Museum of Art (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Salem Police Department participated in the annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge and raised over $5,500 for Special Olympics! Salem Police also participated in the local event Capitol City Plunge and helped raised more than $60,000 for Special Olympians! (Salem Police Department via Facebook)
• Mar. 4 was the grand opening of the 25th season of the Salem Community Markets! Don't miss the next one from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Mar. 11, located at 856 Marion Street NE in Salem. Click here to see a map of the vendors. (Salem Saturday Market via Facebook)
• Tickets are now available for the 2023 Salem State of the City, "A New Beginning," presented by Mayor Chris Hoy on Wednesday, Mar. 22, at the Salem Convention Center. Click here to reserve your spot, the presentation is free and an optional lunch is $30. (City of Salem via Twitter)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!