SALEM — With the mask extended on their faces, academics and teachers return to Oregon schools Monday after the holidays, but state officials worry that an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 could force a return to online learning.
Oregon reported more than 9,700 new cases of COVID-19 as of the holiday weekend monday and broke a previous record for weekly coronavirus cases with an average of about 2,400 new cases consistent with the day. The state also hit a one-day high for new cases. on Thursday, with 3,534 infections shown or suspected.
“In-person instruction of students is seriously threatened,” the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority said Monday.
The highly contagious variant of omicron worries families when their children return to school. In a Portland suburb, school nurses were beaten with questions.
“Due to the sheer volume of calls and emails they receive, a reaction time of up to 24 hours is expected,” the Lake Oswego School District told parents in an email.
Related: Review of the week: COVID instances in Lane County increased 103. 4%; Cases in Oregon increase to 102. 9%
State officials have warned schools to suspend extracurricular activities or adhere to protection protocols. They also warned that immediate transmission of the omicron variant is expected in indoor environments where other people do not wear a mask and adhere to other protective protocols, such as staying physically fit. distancing and hand washing.
Monday marked the first day of categories after the Christmas break, although some schools remained closed due to a severe winter storm. Teachers agreed that if the virus spreads quickly, online categories would have to resume. a challenge for educators and students.
“We know our students will be more productively informed in person, where they have access to other must-haves on-site,” the state’s education and fitness departments said.
According to Oregon Health
The Oregon Health Authority also reported that 18. 2% of COVID-19 tests administered over the long weekend were positive for the virus, the highest positivity rate ever seen in the state. However, hospitalizations hovered around 498 people, less than the part of the amount of the last peak. Eleven deaths were announced on Monday. There are 60 beds in extensive adult care units available in the state.
Meanwhile, a statewide reading contest called oregon Battle of the Books announced it will be holding its tournament online. Tournament hosts are not required to make reservations due to COVID-19.
Schools can offer screening for the virus and are about to develop this capability with state support. The Oregon Health Authority announced last week that it had ordered 6 million immediate COVID-19 control kits, with one kit containing two controls. to the local fitness government and Native American tribes, agricultural personnel, schools, fitness personnel, and other sectors.
“We knew we needed to be in a position to accept long-term variants, so that we can continue to be at the maximum of vulnerability in our communities while keeping our schools, businesses and communities open,” said Gov. Kate Brown.
Flaccus reported from Lake Oswego.