Positive COVID-19 Test and Athletic Closure

Dear EHS Staff and Families

Yesterday we were notified that an Elmira High School student has been diagnosed with COVID-19.  As members of the school community, we understand that this might raise concerns alongside a caring response.  We are working closely with Lane County Public Health to respond to this news and protect the health of our community.

Each situation calls for different protocols.  In this case, at this time of the year before students have been on campus, and the fact that this student was not on campus at any time during their illness, we are taking the following steps:

1. Informing families via this letter that will posted to the website of the District and the school, as well as a phone dialer that went home last night.
2. We are required to delay the start of LIPI (Limited In-Person Instruction) that was to begin on Tuesday, September 22nd and any athletic workouts on campus.  This ONLY affects EHS, and only the few students that were to come to campus for LIPI and all athletic activities.
3. If there are no additional cases between now and September 29^th, we can begin LIPI and athletic activities for EHS students.

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through staying home when ill, wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and practicing good health hygiene habits.  Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with people who have signs of illness.

We will keep you updated with any new information as it comes out, while meeting the requirements to honor everyone’s right to privacy.  More information can be found on the Oregon Department of Education’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners page and the Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 page.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the high school office at 541-935-8200