Searsport ● Stockton Springs
Office of the Superintendent
6 Mortland Road
Searsport, ME 04974
October 20, 2021
Message from Superintendent Chris Downing
Re: COVID-19
Enclosed, please find detailed information regarding an individual associated with RSU 20 testing positive for COVID-19.
Quick look
- RSU #20 response
- Locations: Searsport District Middle High School and Searsport Elementary School
- Notification per Maine Department of Education and Maine Department of Health and Human Services Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Close contacts will be contacted
- Maine CDC
- Guidance on signs and symptoms of COVID-19
- Prevention guidance
- How you can get more information
October 20, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
Two individuals associated with Searsport District Middle High School and Searsport Elementary School have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. Stay home if you are sick or are experiencing any listed symptoms.
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:
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 DOE or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. Close contacts who are unvaccinated and not a pooled testing participant 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 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. When in public, avoid social distances of less than 6 feet and direct physical contact.
Questions for the school can be directed at Monica Furrow by calling 548-2313. For general COVID-19 questions, dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695). You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or email [email protected]. 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,
Chris Downing
Superintendent of Schools, RSU #20