COVID Update 12.2.2020

Good morning from HSD.  

First, thanks for getting through this together.  Please continue to be safe, and communicate with your school if necessary.   Our nurses and principals are available to help our families. 

COVID Update:

- HHS has a positive case and a presumed positive case that occurred over the recent break.  There are no direct contacts.  

- PADS has two staff in quarantine due to case confirmed over the break and one quarantine beginning today.   

As mentioned yesterday, we also have confirmed negatives after testing that have released some staff and students from quarantine.  Each situation is very unique and we are making the most cautious of choices when it comes to presumed cases until proven otherwise.

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

   • 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 or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive.  In this case, we are also notifying you if you are a presumed close contact.  Close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure to the 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 hand-washing 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.

Questions for the school can be directed to our school nurse and or principal.  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.

Keep you eye on the prize! 


Jim Chasse, Superintendent of Schools