Dear Jewell Families,
As you may know, the Governor of Oregon greatly increased restrictions statewide after another record breaking jump in coronavirus cases. In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the state prompted a statewide freeze and travel advisory.
The flexibility and resiliency of our community has been very impressive throughout this public health crisis. I am grateful that we continue to have the opportunity for our children to be in school, with a focus on teaching and learning. With the holidays around the corner, we thank you in advance for making safe, responsible choices so we can safely continue in-person instruction.
During the current statewide freeze, schools will continue to follow sector-specific guidance (Ready Schools, Safe Learners). Schools that follow protocols like these are very effective at reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In order to keep our schools safe, we urge our community to follow the travel advisory.
Oregon Travel Advisory 11/13/2020:
“The incidence of COVID-19 is increasing in many states and countries. Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or Oregonians returning from other states or countries could increase the risk of COVID-19 spread. In addition, travel itself can be a risk for exposure to COVID-19, particularly travel through shared conveyance such as air, bus or rail travel.
Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel
- Persons arriving in Oregon from other states or countries, including returning Oregon residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. This recommendation does not apply to individuals who cross state or country borders for essential travel.
- Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.
- Essential travel includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
- Oregonians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to Oregon.”
If you must travel and quarantine, we will work on solutions for accessing instruction via a distance learning model. Please do not hesitate to send questions my way and we will work on answering those as soon as possible.
Stay safe and stay vigilant. Wash your hands frequently, practice physical distancing, clean and disinfect often, and be alert for COVID-19 symptoms (fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and sudden loss of taste or smell). Thank you for your partnership in this effort to keep our community safe and well.
Thank you,
Stephen W. Phillips, PhD
Jewell School
Superintendent