Norovirus Concerns Prompt School Closures and Delays in Oregon Counties

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Several school districts in the Portland, Oregon area have closed campuses or implemented delays due to a significant number of absences linked to illness, particularly concerns over the highly contagious norovirus. The Corbett School District closed all campuses on Thursday, while the Colton School District has a three-hour delay at the elementary school level to allow for disinfecting. Officials say additional schedule changes are possible if the illness continues to spread.

Why it matters

Norovirus outbreaks can significantly disrupt school operations and impact families when widespread illness forces temporary closures or delays. School districts must balance student and staff health concerns with the need to maintain regular schedules, leading to difficult decisions about when to take preventative measures.

The details

The Corbett School District closed all campuses on Thursday due to a significant number of absences linked to illness, and also rescheduled after-school athletic games and a winter formal event. The Colton School District has kept its middle and high schools on regular schedules, but Colton Elementary is on a three-hour delay to allow time for disinfecting the building after many students and staff were out sick this week. Colton Elementary officials warned parents the school could be closed entirely if too many employees call out.

• The Corbett School District closed all campuses on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
• The Colton School District implemented a three-hour delay at Colton Elementary School on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

School officials say additional schedule changes are possible if the illness continues to spread, and families are encouraged to stay alert for updates from their districts.