Critical Update Scarborough Schools
December 2, 2020
COVID-19 NOTIFICATION LETTER
Dear Scarborough Public Schools Families and Staff,
This letter is to inform you that we have been informed by the Maine CDC that one individual from Scarborough Middle School and one individual from Scarborough High School have been confirmed positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These individuals were last in the district on or before Monday, November 23. We have communicated closely with the Maine CDC to ensure all protocols are being followed. Because each of these positive cases coincided with our recent school break, they appear to have resulted from community exposure and, as such, there is no imminent risk to any students or staff at this time. We are informing you now out of an abundance of caution.
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 or 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. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Thanks to the protocols in place, we received timely communication. Questions can be directed to Scarborough Middle School nursing staff Patty Bolduc or Amanda Eason by calling 730-4810 or 730-4811 or emailing them at pbolduc@scarboroughschools.org or aeason@scarboroughschools.org. You may also choose to contact Scarborough High School nursing staff Heidi Igneri at 730-5015 or Suzanne Kenney at 730-5016 or at higneri@scarboroughschools.org or skenney@scarboroughschools.org. 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.
Sincerely,
Sanford J. Prince IV