March 26, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that a student associated with Manchester Elementary School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). All student and staff close contacts have been notified. We will be taking the following actions as a result of the case:
No MES Pre-kindergarten classes 3/29 through 4/2
All Kindergarten through 5th grade students will be remote Monday 3/29 and Tuesday 3/30
K through 5 students will return to in person school on Wednesday 3/31.
This is a critical time in our schools. We can not afford to let our guard down and not follow the protocols that have allowed us to successfully keep our schools open to in person learning. This week alone we have had 3 positive students cases, luckily 2 of the 3 were out of school for one reason or another have not impacted our schools ability to stay open, for which we are grateful. That being we have not had 3 cases in a week since February 5th. Today the Maine CDC announced 253 new cases. We encourage everyone to do their part in following recommendations that are allowing our schools to stay open to in person learning. In addition please 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.
All other RSU 38/Maranacook Area Schools 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 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.
Questions can be directed to Abbie Hartford, the principal or the school nurse by calling the following number Manchester Elementary 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