No known cases of COVID-19 have been reported in any Oregon schools

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — How fast is the coronavirus changing daily life? This is a good example.

Thursday afternoon, Oregon health authorities advised school officials that “the safest place for our kids is in our schools.” That’s because of a whole host of issues that aren’t necessarily connected to actual school work — child care, food, services, etc.

By early Thursday evening, some school districts announced they would close. A few hours later, Governor Kate Brown announced that all K-12 schools would close beginning Monday.

“This is a trying time for our community and I am reluctant to increase the burden on families who are already struggling to adapt to and stay healthy during this crisis,” said Brown. “However, we are left with little choice in light of school districts’ staff capacity and operational concerns. I want to thank all of the teachers and school employees who have worked hard to keep our schools open until now.”

Below is the original story —

which was outdated just a few hours later.

TUALATIN, Ore. (KOIN) — Public schools across Oregon are staying open to students as the coronavirus spreads across the state.

If schools were closed, parents and grandparents who would have to care for kids at home could possibly face a greater risk of falling ill with the virus. Young children and teens typically have mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all, and could expose adults to the virus unknowingly.

There’s also the problem of parents needing to continue going to work to provide for their families.

Emptying out schools could also cause problems for kids who depend on low-income meal programs and special education.

“We know right now all of the guidance we are getting is that the safest place for kids is in our schools. That’s not because the virus is not presenting itself there yet, it’s that they get so many wrap-around services in our schools,” explained Lillian Govus with Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

The Oregon Education Association of Teachers Union released a statement Thursday, saying it wants the state to have educators placed on paid leave if they are self-quarantined or if districts order school closures. The union also wants educators or students who are at high-risk or live with someone who is high-risk to be allowed to stay home.

Oregon’s Spring Break is scheduled to start at the end of next week. Some have suggested moving it up earlier or extending the break. For now, public school remains in session.

Some public school districts have, however, canceled extracurriculars and athletic events.

In a letter to families and staff, Portland Public Schools announced the decision to suspend events that bring large groups of students, adults and community members together for 30 days starting on Thursday, including school-based assemblies and events, field trips and professional development meetings and events. Athletic events will be held without audiences.

The PPS statement read, in part:

“The safety, health, and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to work in close partnership with public health authorities to minimize both the spread of coronavirus and disruption to schools and students. We will continue emphasizing the importance of handwashing at school. Our custodians will continue to prioritize high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas. And we are making sure schools have adequate cleaning supplies.”

Other school districts following the same protocols include Beaverton School District, Hillsboro School District, Eugene School District and Salem-Keizer Public Schools, all of which released the same coordinated statement as PPS.