Earlier this week, the Oregon Health Authority, at the direction of Gov. Kate Brown, updated its “Sector Risk Level Guidance Chart” to allow full-contact indoor sports, which had been prohibited.
On Friday, Brown warned Oregonians that COVID-19 case numbers are climbing rapidly and about a third of the state’s counties might have to move back to the extreme risk level. The OHA is advising a 14-day quarantine for all unvaccinated disease contacts, including in schools.
Brown’s warning does not immediately affect public school instruction, according to the Oregon Department of Education, but it could affect sports participation. The guidelines for indoor sports participation depend on the county risk level chart and not the metrics in the Oregon Department of Education’s “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance.
Schools in extreme- or high-risk counties must have some in-person instruction to be able to offer full-contact indoor sports. Schools in those counties must also complete an opt-in form and offer on-site testing and collect contact information.
The Oregon School Activities Association rearranged the school sports calendar to give every sport a chance to be played. The basketball and wrestling seasons start May 10.
