Commonwealth Policy Center

Oregon Governor Kate Brown is telling residents to call the police on their neighbors who violate the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. Last week Brown issued executive orders intended to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. This included a two-week period which limits indoor and outdoor gatherings to six people from no more than two households. Anyone found in violation can face up to 30 days in jail or $1,250 in fines. Brown’s order was harshly criticized but the Democratic governor justified it by likening it to “a party down the street [that’s] keeping everyone awake.” Coronavirus is serious, but the wrong way to fight COVID-19 is by turning neighbors against each other.