SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon is closing its schools and should prepare for thousands of cases of coronavirus, Gov. Kate Brown said.
The Statesman Journal reports that Brown announced on Thursday a ban on all gatherings of more than 250 people statewide for four weeks to try to stop the spread. She later said schools will close statewide from March 16 through March 31 due to staffing challenges and health concerns.
“Schools are experiencing critical shortages in staff, and superintendents are concerned for school personnel who are at elevated risk such as those over age 60 and those with underlying medical issues,” Brown said in a statement.
