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October 17, 2021

Dear Staff, Students, and Families:

This letter is to inform you that RSU #38 has had three more positive student cases at Wayne Elementary School.  The most recent positive cases have an effective last date of attendance on Friday October 15th.  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 working closely with the CDC liaison to determine additional steps.  Currently the CDC has informed us that Wayne Elementary is in outbreak status.   Due to this we need to have the entire Wayne Elementary School be remote Monday, October 18th and Tuesday October 19th in order to follow the CDC deep cleaning procedures for the entire building.  The CDC has informed us that their liaison will set-up a meeting on Monday (10/18) to determine additional next steps, which could include further remote learning days depending on contact tracing and additional information that is being presented as this situation evolves.   

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