March 23, 2021 3:30 a.m.

After careful review by the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education, schools in the state will shift to allowing 3 feet of physical distancing under certain conditions.

A release from ODE said the shift applies to all public and private schools and aligns Oregon’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance with recent studies and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The release said the new physical distancing allowance is a local decision. Schools may maintain 6 feet, and under certain conditions, must maintain 6 feet – such as when students from different classrooms are passing in hallways between periods, or when students are eating. Changes may take place over the next several weeks as some schools will need time to plan and adjust to the new requirements.

Governor Kate Brown said she welcomed the news that “…months of scientific research clearly demonstrates the risk of COVID-19 transmission is low in schools”. Brown said students and staff will have expanded opportunities and flexibility for in-person learning under this new guidance, “…as we work towards fully reopening all our schools in the fall”.

Key updates to Ready Schools, Safe Learners are linked: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/healthsafety/Documents/Ready%20Schools%20Safe%20Learners%202020-21%20Guidance.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery