KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - This morning, in an update to families from the Klamath County School District and Klamath Falls City Schools; Superintendents, Glen Szymoniak & Paul Hillyer along with Jessica Dale, Assistant Director of Klamath County Public Health, announced that due to high positive test results for the two-week look back on November 23, metrics currently exceed the 200 per 100,000 threshold for in-person learning. As a result, students may need to return to distance learning on November 30 when they return from Thanksgiving break.

“It is with disappointment that I find myself writing this email tonight. As of close of business today (Nov. 19),” said Dale. “We had received enough positive test results for this week to know that when numbers post for the two-week look back on November 23, our rates will exceed 200 per 100,000. As a result, schools will need to return to comprehensive distance learning on Monday, November 30, 2020.”

“While the return to hybrid learning models for expanded grade levels was short-lived this time around, it was undoubtedly beneficial for both the schools and the students,” added Dale.

“In order to return grades K-6 to in-person learning, the county would need to reduce new case numbers over the next two weeks and bring our status down to the yellow or green zone,” said Hillyer.

For schools that were previously operating under the K-3 or rural and remote schools exceptions, Public Health needs to complete case investigations for the cases received today to make an informed recommendation on continued in-person instruction under those models.

Detailed information about the impacts will not be available until next week and things could change between now and then.

With current trends, all schools within Klamath County would be affected - including city schools and private schools, along with county schools.

“Given the number of cases that need to be investigated, we cannot commit to having that recommendation to you tomorrow, but will have one communicated by Monday, November 23,” said Dale.

Szymoniak asks, “Please join us in thanking Klamath County Public Health for the work they are doing to keep our community safe.”

“This virus has been a rollercoaster ride for all of us, but I am extremely thankful this holiday season that we have wonderful families and staff working together to help our students learn and grow despite the ongoing challenges.” said Hillyer.

Read the full announcements KCSD, KFCS.

Editors Note: This is a fluid situation and can/will change based on testing. Klamath Falls News will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.