Press Release

Portland Timbers ask for assist to stop COVID-19

Diego Valeri, training, masked, 5.8.20

PORTLAND, Ore. – Before the team departs for the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, the Portland Timbers released public services announcements urging Oregonians to wear face coverings and masks to stop the spread of COVID-19. The PSAs feature Jeremy Ebobisse and Diego Valeri.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we all need an assist from each other by wearing our masks, especially when we’re inside or we can’t stay 6 feet away from each other,” said Ebobisse. “Our masks protect others, and their masks protect us. This is what makes us a team.”


To help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, Governor Kate Brown issued a statewide requirement beginning July 1 for Oregonians to wear masks, face shields, or face coverings in all indoor public spaces, including locations like grocery stores, gyms, retail stores, malls and restaurants and bars (while not eating or drinking). According to doctors and the CDC, face coverings that cover your nose and mouth play a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 because droplets from our breath can carry the virus to others without us realizing it.