Episode 35: Revisiting School Safety During Omicron

Season 1, Episode 35,   Feb 18, 2022, 04:00 PM

Additional resources


Reminders about keep in-person learning safe during COVID-19


Q1: Is it safe to return to in-person learning during Omicron?

In Oregon and elsewhere, we have seen that in group settings we can reduce and nearly eliminate the spread – but only if health and safety recommendations, like using face coverings, are followed. We also have seen high rates of spread in places where face coverings were not required. 

Face coverings, keeping physical distance, and regular hand washing are tools we have been using to control the spread of the virus. Each tool on their own can’t control the spread of the virus. But when you use all the tools combined, they are highly effective at minimizing the spread of the virus.


Q2: How do schools decide whether to close or stay open when there is an outbreak? 

School districts and school boards decide when or how schools respond to an outbreak of COVID-19. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) offers districts and school leaders resources to consider when making those decisions, such as the Oregon Data for Decisions Dashboard. Factors schools must consider include:

  • COVID-19 case rates, vaccination rates, school safety measures

  • Student health and safety

  • Staffing availability

In January, case rates were at record levels. Many Portland-area schools closed at the time because of related absences. 


Q3: What if I don’t feel it’s safe for my child to be in school? 

If you have concerns, contact your schools and school boards. The ODE website has information about each district’s COVID-19 safety plans at Oregon.gov/readyschools.

Because schools are managed settings, with layered health and safety measures in place, the risk of COVID-19 transmission can be lower than in general community settings without such protocols in place.  

Most student-age COVID-19 transmission happens outside of school. Then students bring the virus into school. So, the more we can keep safety measures in place in school, the more we can reduce the spread of the virus and ensure more kids stay in school.  


Q4: How can we keep safe during extracurricular activities, such as youth sports? 

ODE has also recommended that schools and other organizations pause extracurricular activities or make sure they follow the same safety protocols practiced during the school day (use of face coverings, screening and diagnostic testing, encourage vaccination, frequent handwashing, etc.). 

But if you have students participating in extracurricular activities, open communication is best. If any household member, gets sick from COVID-19, let the coach and team know so that fellow team members can take the necessary precautions. 

  • The coach can then make decisions that can help stop the potential spread of the disease, such as rescheduling practices, or practicing outdoors. 

  • The Omicron variant is highly transmissible and it’s important to know where and how it’s spreading. Schools, coaches and families all want to know this information to better protect their community.

Make sure you know what your school district is doing and let them know if you have concerns with COVID-19 safety at any school events. You can find COVID-19 information for your school district on the Oregon Department of Education website.


Q5: What if we have concerns about COVID-19 safety in our schools?

All Oregon school districts have posted their current COVID-19 safety protocols, which explain how they are following Oregon’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance. You can find links to information for your school district on Oregon’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners website at Oregon.gov/readyschools. 


Q6: How can families help everyone stay safe as kids head back to the classroom?

OHA and ODE have shared a 5-step checklist for families that includes:

  1. Make a plan to vaccinate all eligible household members.

  2. Wear face coverings or masks in public and in carpools.

  3. Limit gatherings with other households — including big events for kids, like birthday parties.

  4. Move social activities outdoors.

  5. Make a plan in case your child needs to miss school.


Q7: Getting vaccinated is first on this list. Why?

Getting vaccinated is one of the best tools we have to protect students during COVID-19.

  • Everyone 5 and older should get vaccinated. No health insurance is required. Free vaccines are available regardless of immigration status.

  • Everyone 12 and older should get a booster dose if it has been more than 5 months since their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or for adults who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, if it has been more than two months since getting the vaccine.

Getting vaccinated is a way to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe from the virus.

  • Over 2 million Oregon adults, teens and kids have been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

  • Clinical studies show that the COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing serious illness for kids 5 and older.

  • More than 40,000 people participated in the clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccine to measure safety and effectiveness. More than 3,000 children ages 5 through 11 participated in the pediatric trials.

  • Vaccinated students do not quarantine or get excluded from school when they have been exposed to COVID-19 unless they are showing symptoms.

  • Once your students are vaccinated, they can safely return to more of their normal life — school, sports, social time, and other activities that are so important to a child’s health and well-being.

  • When enough people get a vaccine, we will all be able to get back to the people and activities we miss the most.

It’s normal to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. It’s important to get your questions answered. If you have questions about the vaccines and their safety, please consult your doctor or pediatrician.


Local vaccine events


Date
Time
Location
AddressSaturday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Rosewood Initiative | 16126 SE Stark StPortland, OR
Tuesday, Feb. 15 | 2 to 8 p.m. | Lloyd Center | 1260 Lloyd CenterPortland, OR
Thursday, Feb. 17 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Lloyd Center | 1260 Lloyd CenterPortland, OR

You can find more vaccine events at multco.us/vaccineclinics.

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.


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Episode 36: Looking Back At Two Years
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