March 4, 2020 3:45 a.m. 
Roseburg Public Schools have implemented some precautionary measures due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, which is impacting a number of areas around the country, including Oregon.
An update posted on the RPS website on Tuesday said the district is “taking proactive measures to keep students, families and staff healthy”. It said that schools have distributed information about preventative measures that can be taken to help avoid illnesses.
The update said the district’s custodial staff is now using a hospital-grade disinfectant and has been directed to prioritize the cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surface areas such as door knobs, handrails and countertops.
The Nutrition Services Department has suspended salad bar service during meals. The update said although sneeze guards are in place at the salad bars, this action will prevent multiple students from using the same salad utensils. Students will instead be served fruits and vegetables from a food service employee behind the serving line.
School administrators are also reviewing practices around the use of community school supplies like shared pencil containers in classrooms and other items likely to be touched by multiple students.
The update said the district is emphasizing the importance of students and staff staying home when ill. It said school attendance, while important, should not be prioritized over student health.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said the measures are likely to lessen the cases of flu and other illnesses. Cordon said the district will continue to take guidance from the Oregon Health Authority and will continue to “monitor the rapidly changing situation”.
The RPS release is posted at: http://www.roseburg.k12.or.us/coronavirus.html