Public Health teams are pouring over “blueprints for re-opening” from public schools across Lane County. The effort is meant to ensure each school’s plan conforms to state and county health standards.
Of the 123 public schools in the county, so far 93 have submitted for recommendations from Public Health. Spokesperson Jason Davis calls it a collaboration.
“We know that our educators and our schools, their focus is pretty broad,” Davis said. “They have to consider a lot of different aspects of how this process is going to work. And public health has that unique focus on health alone.”
Davis said many of the blueprints are highly detailed and look well beyond the first few weeks of instruction. They contain scenarios and innovations for in-person learning. Things like staggered schedules, student spacing, fresh air ventilation. And also contingency plans.
“’Cause certainly COVID has been changing, sometimes on a day-to-day basis. So the way we approach education will need to be flexible as well,” Davis said.
As for higher education, Davis said Lane County Public Health is in regular communication with the University of Oregon and Lane Community College to ensure campus re-openings protect the health and safety of older student populations.
