March 15 2021 A limit on the number of contacts students can have has been eliminated but distancing requirements stand. New state rules issued Monday, March 15, relax a big stumbling block for schools reopening to students for in-person learning, now allowing kids to come in contact with more than 100 people per week in school. However, the Oregon Department of Education did not change the distancing requirements that severely limit the number of pupils that can be in a classroom at one time, as part of the new rules announced Monday. Although some studies have indicated 3 feet of distancing is enough for school settings, Oregon's 6-feet rule remains unchanged. Schools must "establish a minimum of 35 square feet per person when determining room capacity" which is equal to 6 feet of distancing.