January 24, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that a staff member from Maranacook Community High School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to the impact this has on staff members identified as close contacts the school will be moving to remote learning on Monday (01/25) and Tuesday (01/26). Please note that there are no student close contacts in this particular case. However, out of an abundance of caution we encourage you to monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up in person. Stay home if you are sick.
Any Maranacook Community High school students/families needing meals during the remote learning time should contact Food Service Director Jen Hall. She can be reached through email at: Jen_Hall@maranacook.org, work phone at (207) 685 - 4923 ext. 1085 or cell phone at (207) 242-0814. Individual arrangements will be made to best facilitate the families needs. Please reach out at your earliest convenience.
All other RSU 38/Maranacook Area School will continue to run as scheduled.
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 • new loss of taste or smell
cough • sore throat
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • congestion or runny nose
fatigue • nausea or vomiting
muscle or body aches • diarrhea
headache
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 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 individual schools can be directed to Dr. Conway, the high school principal or the school nurse by calling the Maranacook Community High School 685-4923. 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,
James Charette, Superintendent of Schools