May 20, 2021 4:10 a.m.
Roseburg Public Schools has updated its face mask requirements, in response to new guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said the new guidance was released Wednesday afternoon and better aligns with recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cordon said the guidance provides clarity and eases some restrictions for schools as the district continues its efforts to maintain healthy and safe learning environments.
Cordon said the most significant update that affects RPS students involves mask wearing outdoors. The district will follow the Oregon Health Authority’s recommendations that, when outdoors, students, staff, volunteers, and visitors will not be required to wear face coverings. That includes scenarios such as outdoor physical education classes, outdoor music, recess and arrival and dismissal.
Until additional updates are provided, all other requirements under the state’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners mandates, including physical distancing, mask wearing indoors for students and other related measures still apply.
Cordon said the district will also continue to fully support students and families who prefer to continue to wear face masks outdoors on district campuses.
Additional changes announced by OHA include:
*Students, staff, volunteers and spectators are not required to wear face coverings at outdoor sports events. All previous physical distancing and capacity restrictions still apply.
*Fully vaccinated staff are not required to wear face coverings or physically distance inside school buildings when students are not present, when vaccination status is verified by the district.
*Students, staff, volunteers and spectators are not required to wear face coverings at outdoor graduation ceremonies. All previous physical distancing and capacity restrictions still apply.
Cordon said the district will continue to provide updates to families and the community as additional guidance is announced by ODE and OHA. For the latest updates, go to: www.roseburg.k12.or.us.