Feb. 29 Update: Coronavirus

A social media post alleged that a student from Newberg High School contracted coronavirus, and that school will be closed. This story is untrue, and we have not been notified of any staff or student from Newberg with the disease at this time. All schools will be open on Monday. 

With the first case reported in Oregon in a nearby school district, district staff are actively working with public health officials to act in ways that mitigate the spread of the disease and support the education of our students. We encourage students and staff who are ill to not attend school, in order to lower risk of any flu, virus, or infection being spread to others. 

This weekend, staff are working to sanitize buildings and make sure either sinks or hand sanitizer are available in all classrooms. Teachers will share the importance of proper hygiene to slow the spread of all germs and diseases.

Public officials currently say that schools are not advised to take any special actions. For more information about COVID-19, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

To track cases in Oregon, visit:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx 

As always, we want staff and students to take everyday preventive actions to lessen the spread of any disease. The following actions are proven to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections (including flu and coronavirus):

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Anyone with a fever above 100° should stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without any fever-reducing medication.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wip
  • Get your annual flu vaccine (to protect against flu)