Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Oregon children supersede bars, and gyms, say physician moms


Getty images.
Getty images.
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Physicians, who are also mothers, are calling on Oregon's governor to take action so students can return to school safely.

In a letter, signed by 150 physician mothers, the group calls on the governor to prioritize children over businesses.

"It is unconscionable to allow adults the freedom to go to bars, gyms, social gatherings, and other non essential services at the cost of the education and safety of our children," the letter states.

In July, Gov. Kate Brown announced new metrics counties must meet before students can return to physical buildings. As a result, Portland Public Schools announced it will do the distance, online learning until at least November.

In a media briefing on Monday, Dr. Jennifer Vines said the metric will be difficult to meet.

Arian Nachat, a physician and mother of two who helped co-author the letter, tells KATU News she fully supports the governor's metrics. However, she said business reopenings allowed people to return to business as usual.

"On one hand it isn’t safe for our kids to be in school, but it’s OK for people to be out and about," said Nachat.

Rebecca Hicks, a pediatrician and mother in Bend, who co-authored the letter, said parents are struggling.

"The kids I worry the most about are the kids who are experiencing hunger, who are experiencing unsafe supervision or no supervision whatsoever. Kids who are experiencing neglect or abuse. We use schools as a safety net, we use schools as a check-in," she said.

The Oregon Health Authority's director and epidemiologist said data indicates cases are linked to social gatherings and workplace outbreaks, not to businesses like gyms and restaurants, which have been allowed to reopen.

"I really need Oregonians to take personal responsibility," said Brown in an interview with KATU News on Tuesday. "We know that a huge portion of the spread comes from non-formal social gatherings."

The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association said businesses are following strict health and safety protocols.

"If you do shut them down, not only will it be devastating for the owners and operators, but all of the employees. Many have children who go to school as well," said Greg Astley, with the association.

Nachat and Hicks said they want to work with the governor on a solution. Both believe the state needs to increase testing capacity and contact tracing efforts and admit a stay-home order may be necessary.

"I have yet to meet an Oregonian who doesn’t deeply care for other people. I have yet to meet someone in my community who doesn’t deeply care about the vulnerable children in our community. What we have to show individuals is that they have to be part of the change," Hicks said.

Loading ...