A date has been set for the likely end of the statewide mask mandate, along with a new timeline for K-12 districts to make local decisions regarding indoor masking requirements.

Starting March 31st, after Spring Break, each school district will be given the responsibility to work with the local health authority on indoor masking requirements in K-12 schools.

Reminder: The state mask mandate and the other Springfield COVID protocols are still in place and will continue until further notice.

Next Steps:

• The decisions on our path forward will take some time. Please understand we just received this news about the upcoming masking change and there is a lot to review.
• Over the next several weeks, our district leaders will be working with our local health authority, and partner districts to determine the best course of action.
• Please continue to reinforce health and safety protocols because the Omicron variant of COVID has not yet reached its peak in Lane County and we hope to keep as many students in school as possible

Good News: It is very encouraging that the Oregon Health Authority believes the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID – and the number of hospitalizations – will drop significantly by the end of March. Our combined efforts to manage the virus in Oregon are working. That is why the statewide mask mandate for all indoor public spaces is expected to end by March 31st.

One Certainty: Plans change, sometimes with little notice. The last two years have confirmed that uncertainty is the one thing we can count on. Your continued patience and flexibility, along with reinforcement of current health protocols is essential in helping to keep our kids in school.

We know that each update brings a multitude of emotions and are committed to keeping you as up to date as possible on the impacts here in Springfield. Thank you for your patience and understanding as questions continue to outpace our answers at this time. 

Springfield Public Schools