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To: Oregon Superintendents and Principals, Charter School Leaders, Private
School Leaders, Reopening Advisors, School Nurses, Business Managers and
Public Information Officers
From: Kati Mosely, ODE Ready Schools, Safe Learners Manager
Date: August 17, 2021
Re: Oregon Health Authority’s Statewide Indoor Face Covering Rule Added to
Resiliency Framework
Dear Oregon School and District Leaders,
Today we’re sharing a few updates to the Ready Schools, Safe Learners Resiliency Framework for the 2021-22 School Year and the Schools and COVID-19 FAQ document. The updates as of August 17, 2021 are identified by green text in both of these documents.
In addition, this email includes information that may be helpful as you are talking with families, students, your board and the media about COVID-19 protection measures in schools for the fall, including universal and correct use of face coverings.
Finally, we are resharing resources related to “Care and Connection Week.” Every year, the return to school brings a mix of excitement and nervousness. This fall, both feelings could be heightened as Oregon’s students return to full-time, in-person learning. We’re encouraging schools and school districts to designate the entire first full week of school as “Care and Connection Week.”
Resiliency Framework Updates
The Ready Schools, Safe Learners Resiliency Framework for the 2021-22 School Year and the Schools and COVID-19 FAQ document are now updated to reflect the following changes to rule:
On August 12, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) adopted OAR 333-019-1025 requiring everyone age five (5) or older to wear a face covering anywhere indoors, including but not limited to public and private workplaces, businesses, indoor areas open to the public, building lobbies, common or shared spaces, classrooms, elevators, bathrooms, transportation services and other indoor spaces where people may gather for any purpose.
To align with this new statewide rule, OHA’s K-12 face covering rule (OAR 333-019-1015) has been updated to clarify the following:
- The rule now requires all individuals five (5) years of age and older to wear a face covering while indoors in a K-12 school, during school hours.
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Children under 5 who are learning in preschool classrooms that operate in school settings are not required to wear face coverings. In any early learning program that serves 0 to 5 year old's, students are not required to wear a face covering.
- A person is not required to wear a face covering indoors when playing a competitive extracurricular sport at any level.
Both OAR 333-019-1015 and OAR 333-019-1025 specify that all individuals aged two (2) or older who are using public transportation, including riding a school bus operated by a public or private school, must wear a face covering.
In addition, ODE has clarified that in the case that a student or family chooses not to wear a face covering for reasons other than medical need or disability, schools should follow district processes to determine how to respond keeping in mind both the responsibility for health and safety and the student’s need to access education. Conversations should be progressive and lead to resolution that ideally does not involve suspension. Schools cannot serve a student in-person if they or their family choose not to wear a face covering. Schools may offer a remote or online school option for the student.
Communication Supports
We encourage schools and districts to use the resources below to support local conversations and communications regarding the upcoming school year and the face covering rule:
Please contact ODE at ODE.COVID19@ode.state.or.us with any questions. Thank you for your continued partnership!
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