Critical Update Scarborough Schools
March 2, 2021
COVID-19 Notification Letter
Dear Scarborough Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that the Maine CDC has informed us that there is an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Wentworth School. An outbreak means that there are three or more cases of COVID-19 within a 14-day period that are epidemiologically linked to one another. Since Monday, March 1st, a total of 4 cases have been confirmed. As a reminder, Scarborough High School continues to remain in outbreak status since December 30, 2020, due to the continued number of cases there.
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. Call a health care provider if symptoms start and you need to be tested, and please reach out to us if you/your student does test 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.
Anyone who would be considered as a close contact to the above cases has already been notified. Consistent with our protocols, close contacts are asked to quarantine for 10 days from last exposure to a positive individual. A negative test result does not get an individual out of quarantine.
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 is 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. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Medical questions can be directed to your school nurse. 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 or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Respectfully,
Sanford Prince IV
Superintendent
Diane Nadeau, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent