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Date: March 11, 2020
To: Superintendents and Principals
From: Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education and Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
RE: Governor Kate Brown Announces Forthcoming Orders on COVID-19
I want to make sure you are aware of today’s announcement from Governor Kate Brown advising steps for managing the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. The guidelines encompass large gatherings, workplace provisions, long-term and assisted living and several of them impact our schools.
In addition to previous guidance issued on March 8, 2020 to keep schools open, all non-essential school-associated gatherings and group activities should be canceled — such as group parent meetings, field trips, and competitions. Governor Brown will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to discuss these new steps in greater detail.
These new measures are based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon public health experts, epidemiologists, and health professionals.
“Nobody is immune to this virus, it can touch everyone," said Governor Brown. “We can't let fear and anxiety stigmatize people. We are seeing cases across multiple counties and age groups, and in people exposed through different circumstances. It's time for us all to do what we can to slow its spread and take care of one another."
Our Commitment To You
I know uncertainty around COVID-19 is causing stress, confusion and anxiety for students, their families and our education community. My staff and I are committed to working through these challenges with you and minimizing the disruption from COVID-19. Please continue to take care of your students and each other and continue to let us know how we can help.
Other Updates and Information
- ODE and OHA are partnering to provide FAQs, social media tools, templates and other documents for school districts to use for public information support. Many of the resources are available in multiple languages. You can find FAQs and other information on the ODE COVID-19 Resources Page and at Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 page.
- If you have specific questions not answered by previous updates or other resources, please contact ODE Communications Director Marc Siegel.
- We are diligently working on complex updates related to the 10-day drop rule, impacts on ADMw and the state school fund, guidance and cautions regarding online learning, and more. Watch for these updates in the coming days.
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