Critical Update Scarborough Schools
April 29, 2021
COVID-19 Notification Letter
April 29, 2021
Dear Scarborough Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that the Maine CDC has informed us that Eight Corners School has been added to the list of schools deemed in “outbreak status” for COVID 19. If you recall, Scarborough High School, Wentworth School, and Scarborough Middle School were previously deemed outbreak sites and continue to hold that designation, whereas they have not been able to go 28 days without new cases.
An outbreak is defined as 3 or more PCR confirmed cases from different households within 14 days at one school site. As you know, our schools have been carefully following all CDC protocols and requirements since the beginning of the pandemic and will continue to do so. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms.
We cannot reiterate enough the need for everyone to continue to follow the CDC requirements, whether at school or in the larger community. We would also strongly advise everyone to pay attention to potential COVID symptoms listed below, and please make sure you make contact with the school immediately if your child tests positive.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that ranges from mild to severe. It can be more severe in adults 60 years and older and in those with underlying conditions. The virus mainly spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and an uninfected person breathes in the virus. Signs and symptoms include:
• fever or chills • cough • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • fatigue • muscle or body aches • headache • new loss of taste or smell • sore throat • congestion or runny nose • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Please keep in mind that many things can cause respiratory illness, so students and staff should be up-to-date on influenza and routine vaccinations.
Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper handwashing with soap and warm water, which is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Medical questions can be directed to any of our school nurses, or for Eight Corners School specifically by reaching out to Rebecca Cummings at rcummings@scarboroughschools.org at 730-5227.
For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email info@211maine.org. Call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Please know that we continue to put everyone’s health and safety at the forefront of our decisions.
Respectfully,
Sanford Prince IV
Superintendent
Diane Nadeau
Assistant Superintendent