As Oregon starts its phased reopening, we should take two steps to prevent unnecessary infection this fall.

Dr. Anthony Fauci testified that we will not see a vaccine by then, and that premature relaxation could cause “really serious” consequences. Therefore, I propose:

1. Instruct all public schools to offer a remote option to families. This will make social distancing easier for children who physically attend school. It will be necessary for families with members who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. It’s also important, given recent data from New York, of a rare but serious inflammatory syndrome affecting children with COVID-19.

2. All major Oregon universities should conduct classes remotely this fall. It's Irresponsible to bring thousands of students from all over the world, who will be in close quarters for housing, dining and socialization. No matter what the universities are doing to prepare, they cannot guarantee social distancing sufficient to protect the communities around them. The public universities in California are putting public health above money. They will be remote this fall. We should do the same.

Our communities have fared well so far, but we need to continue the policies that have been successful.

Jenny Jonak, Eugene