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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Last night, Governor Kate Brown announced the closure of all Oregon K-12 public schools, starting Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. You can read her statement here.
The Governor responded appropriately to concerns raised by parents, teachers and administrators. Schools have struggled to operate regularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, due to staff shortages, student absences and concerns for adults who are at greater risk of contracting the virus while at school.
I support doing all we can to keep our communities safe. Please understand that this action alone will not stop the spread of COVID-19. Some experts believe this will help Oregon manage the trajectory of the outbreak. This is an unprecedented situation, and we all share the same goal of protecting children and everyone put at risk by the virus.
THIS IS IMPORTANT: While children are home, whenever possible, they should not be in the care of older adults or those with underlying health issues who are most at-risk from COVID-19. Please click here for more information on the best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Many working parents aren’t able to afford paid child care (if they can even find it), meaning there are times when grandparents may be the only option to look after children not in school. The data is clear that older populations are at the highest risk of serious complications if they contract the virus. If they are unable to follow social distancing recommendations, the consequences could be severe.
For some, school closures will feel like an easy decision. But as schools close, it is important to remember the disproportionate impact these closures will have on low-income families. Schools may be the only place for some students to access regular meals or medical care. In Oregon, 20% of children are food insecure.
Many school districts are exploring ways to provide meals for pick up. Please watch for information from your school district about this. If you need access to emergency food, please call 211 for assistance.
Yesterday, Senate President Peter Courtney and I announced the formation of a Special Joint Committee on Coronavirus Response. The committee will do all it can to ensure we’re doing all we can to protect our most vulnerable Oregonians.
In these trying times, please keep those in mind who are less financially equipped to make quick adjustments in the face of this pandemic. Please reach out to those you know who are at higher risk of contracting coronavirus and ask what you can do to help.
And, please remember, even if you feel okay, you could be carrying the virus and could make someone else very sick. We must take care of each other.
For up to date information, please check this link to the Oregon Health Authority where regular updates are posted: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/News-Releases.aspx
Please email me at Rep.TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov if you have specific concerns that have not been addressed by the OHA. Our office will do all we can to help and protect all Oregonians.
Best,
Tina Kotek
State Representative
House District 44
Speaker of the House
email: Rep.TinaKotek@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1200
address: 900 Court St NE, H-269, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/kotek
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