Dear Corbett School District Families,
On Sunday, March 8th, the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education announced guidance for responding to COVID-19 cases in Oregon schools. The following is part of the announcement; you can read the guidance in full by clicking here:
At this time, the guidance recommends against closing schools and campuses where no cases of COVID-19 are present. It also recommends that schools, colleges and universities consider all alternatives before closing a school, college or university in the event that a COVID-19 case is detected among students or staff. The guidance identifies important strategies educational administrators can use to reduce the risk of COVID-19 within a school community and protect students from lost instructional time.
The guidance recognizes that the instruction schools and universities provide is vital to student well-being. In addition, schools provide many students their only ready access to health care and food. More than 22,000 students in Oregon experienced some form of homelessness in 2019.
The recommendation gives schools tools to prevent COVID-19 transmission and maintain a normal learning environment for students and staff. Under existing OHA guidance, individuals who have COVID-19, including students and educators, will be subject to self-isolation to prevent others from becoming infected.
The safety, health, and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to work in close partnership with the Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County Health, and follow their guidance in order 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 are now in week two of giving priority to disinfecting high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas. We have been delivering extra supplies such as disinfecting wipes and disinfecting sprays to teachers and administrative staff for periodic use during the school day and will continue to do so. We have also extended increased cleaning protocols to our school buses.
Finally, a reminder that you can best support these efforts by washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and using hand sanitizer. Those experiencing symptoms of the cold or flu should stay at home, only returning to school or work when symptom-free for 24 hours. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult with a doctor.
Thank you.
