New public awareness effort urges Oregonians to limit gatherings, wear masks

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Kate Brown launched a statewide public awareness campaign Thursday with Portland-based ad agency Wieden+Kennedy to inform Oregonians about the urgent importance of limiting social gatherings — especially during the holiday season — and continuing to wear face coverings, even when visiting family and friends in small gatherings. 

“We are eight months into the pandemic, and I know it's easy to suffer fatigue and forget the importance of continuing to do the things we know can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this virus," Brown said.

"nd as we enter the holiday season, I understand how much we all want to get together with family and friends and feel a sense of normalcy. But the holidays are different this year. The best way to show our love this season is to rethink how we celebrate it. I'm urging all Oregonians to limit their holiday get-togethers and to continue wearing their face coverings."

The new ad campaign — which will appear on social media, TV, outdoor media, and in print — was created to speak directly to Oregonians across the state about how our individual decisions can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and more lives from being lost.

It stresses that protecting friends and family members is the top reason to wear a mask, and conveys an important reminder about the risks of large gatherings.

Billboards and digital ads are going up this week, television ads and streaming videos will be released next week, and radio ads will follow.

The campaign launches at a critical time in Oregon. COVID-19 is spreading in Oregon communities at alarming rates and hospitalizations are rapidly rising.

The governor has said her recent measures to stop the rapid community spread of COVID-19 are a necessity to give Oregon a fighting chance to flatten the curve and save lives.

This new public awareness campaign reinforces that our individual choices will decide whether we reduce the spread of this virus and find a way to keep Oregon open, or whether we let our defenses down and allow the virus to take hold.

Key Messages from Masks Save Lives Ads:
Don’t Let COVID Crash Thanksgiving. Masks Save Lives.
Don’t Gift Mom COVID for the Holidays. Masks Save Lives.
Don’t Pass COVID Across the Dinner Table. Masks Save Lives.
Do You Love Your Family Enough to Wear One? Masks Save Lives.
Friendships Last Longer When You Wear Masks. Masks Save Lives.