October 21, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families:
This letter is to inform you that RSU #38 has had 5 additional positive student cases at Wayne Elementary School. The most recent positive cases have not been in school since Friday 10/15/2021. In total we have had nine positive student cases and one positive staff case at WES during this short period of time. Notification of close contacts for students and staff has been completed. Given the number of recent cases we have had at Wayne Elementary School we are continuing to work closely with the CDC liaison to determine additional steps and the school is still designated as in outbreak status. At this time no additional actions are recommended by the CDC, though we continue to monitor this situation closely.
We highly recommend any designated close contacts linked to these cases consider getting a PCR COVID-19 test per the guidance outlined by our school nurses.
We are informing you out of an abundance of caution. Please 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. 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
Close contacts who are unvaccinated will be asked to quarantine from school for 10-full-days from last exposure to the positive individual. All unvaccinated close contacts will be asked to quarantine from non-school activities as well. 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. Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others. Wear a cloth face covering in public indoor spaces, especially if you are not vaccinated. Cloth face coverings are recommended in schools and childcare settings for people over 5 years of age. Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.
Questions can be directed to Tina Brackley, Wayne Elementary School principal (685-3634). 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,
Ryan Meserve