Feeling Cooped Up? You’re Not Alone.

In this week’s paper, WW tells stories of people itching to get out.

By Aaron Mesh

More than a month into Oregon's stay-home order, Portlanders are feeling stir crazy.

For six weeks, they have left their homes and apartments for groceries, exercise and little else. The lockdowns stretch on indefinitely; the vaccine might be years away. It could drive anybody mad.

In this week's paper, WW tells stories of people itching to get out. We examine the calculus of employment and health that Gov. Kate Brown must weigh to reopen the state. We preview the strange new requirements diners should expect before entering restaurants. We found all the ways Oregonians are entertaining themselves while staying in their cars, and suggested ways they could safely get out of them. And we profile one Portland neighborhood where people got angry, then got together—6 feet apart.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.