PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Student access to in-person classes remains under serious threat, Oregon state health and education leaders said Tuesday.

With the hospital surge still underway, state health and education leaders say now is not the time to lift the mask mandate in schools.

The mask requirement for Oregon students, teachers and other staff will remain place until March 4 to keep schools open by lowering the risk of COVID transmission.

Efforts are also underway to up the number of vaccinated kids as more than 60% of kids ages 5-11 have not gotten a first dose. Additionally, more than 30% of older kids are unvaccinated. 

Several weeks remain before there are significant enough decreases in exposure, illness and hospitalizations, especially in rural areas, state leaders noted. Additionally, the hospitalization numbers lag behind case rates.

In Multnomah County, local public health directors told the commissioners on Tuesday they are moving from focusing on booster shots to getting more children vaccinated against COVID.

Additionally, the federal free N95 masks are starting to arrive at local pharmacies. KOIN 6 found several Fred Meyer stores with them in stock.

There’s worry about new variants already showing up, but public health leaders say current vaccinations provide protection.