PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A handful of businesses around Multnomah County have decided to ignore coronavirus restrictions still in place and open their doors anyway.
Many of the owners of these businesses choosing to enter Phase One on their own said they are doing so because of all the surrounding counties that have been approved to open back up.
“We just decided to open up,” said Portland’s Evolution Hair Design owner Patty Putnam. “We’re ready. I don’t know what else is going to change […] if we wait a week, two weeks, the same protocols, the same everything is already in place.”
Frustration mounts as MultCo businesses stuck in limbo
Putnam along with many other local businesses owners pulled employees off unemployment and conducted deep cleanings of their facilities with the impression of June 12 being the restart date.
“We truly are operating as a Phase One capacity,” said Cascade Athletic Clubs Vice President Greg Eisenzimmer who also chose to open his Gresham complex. “We’re not trying to be defiant of all the Phase One rules, we just don’t agree what Multnomah County is being singled out to not join the rest of the state in Phase One.”
Of the businesses we spoke with, Phase One protocols are being observed and implemented by all; masks and social distancing are mandatory and sanitizing stations have been installed.
KOIN 6 News checked with Gov. Kate Brown’s office and the Oregon OSHA about possible fines and penalties. Violating the order is a Class C misdemeanor, but criminal penalties area last resort, Brown’s office said.
If OSHA receives a complaint they look into it and decide on a case-by-case basis.
Since March 2, OSHA has received 4900 complaints — more than double what they normally get in an entire year.
Two businesses who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they’ve already received a letter from OSHA.
Partial list of businesses cited/fined by OSHA
- Conrad Pearson. Securities broker (complaint re telecommuting). Citation issued April 27, 2020. One unrelated non-serious safety committee violation. No penalty
- S&J Entertainment, LLC. Adult entertainment club. (complaint re operating in violation of EO 20-12. Citation issued May 1, 2020. Penalty for health hazard control measures: $100
- City Liquidators. Furniture store. (complaint re operating in violation of EO 20-12). Citation issued June 2, 2020 Penalty for general duty to provide a safe and healthful workplace: $280
- Dillon & Associates (dba NW Office Liquidations). Citation issued; penalty: $175. Citation stems from complaint inspection opened on April 10. Inspection found store had reduced operations but continued to offer appointments for in-store visits, as well as curbside pick-up and delivery.
- Mounts Enterprises LLC (dba Caseys Restaurant) (complaint re operating in violation of EO 20-12). Citation issued. Restaurant operating in willful violation of EO 20-12. Total penalty (including $5,000 violation for refusal to honor Red Warning Notice): $13,900
- Glamour! Salon. (complaints re operating in willful violation of EO 20-12). Citation issued May 15, 2020. Willful violation for general duty to provide safe and healthful workplace: $14,000
- National Frozen Foods. Food processor. (complaints re social distancing and not fully implementing social distance even with active cases). Citation issued May 4, 2020 Penalty for health hazard control measures: $2,000
- Masterbrand Cabinets. Forest products manufacturer. (complaints re not fully implementing social distance). Citation issued May 22, 2020. Penalty for health hazard control measures: $630
List provided to KOIN 6 News by OSHA