Schools asked to take precautions for disease outbreak

Although Oregon has not had a confirmed case of the new coronavirus, schools are being advised to take precautions and prepare responses.

The Oregon Department of Education has offered resources and recommendations for dealing with the respiratory disease known as COVID-19 in a memo emailed Thursday by Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill to superintendents and principals. The Oregon Health Authority offers up-to-date information.

Symptoms are similar to the common cold, and health officials are still learning about COVID-19’s transmission and effects. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a “public health emergency.”

Schools should remind students and employees to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they feel sick.

School nurses, principals and other staff should review the communicable disease guidelines. Schools should review their disease outbreak plans.

School leaders should also consider how to inform their community of a confirmed case without breaching confidentiality or setting up student stigma or discrimination.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 page offers more information and resources.

- Jake Arnold, OSBA
jarnold@osba.org