November 3, 2020
Dear Noble Community,
Good afternoon. We are writing to let you know that there is an adult who tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated with the Noble High School building. School representatives have contacted those directly who have been identified as a “potential” close contact of the individual who has tested positive. At this time, the close contact list does not include students. The CDC will also be following up with close contacts as contact tracing begins.
Please continue to monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms every day. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a health care facility before you show up in person and please, stay home if you are feeling sick. We also can’t stress enough that if your child has been tested for COVID-19, please keep your child home as you await test results. With the recent uptick in cases across the state, we need to continue to be vigilant. We want to remain “open for education,” and we need everyone’s assistance to do so.
Below is the information we include in all our COVID-19 community letters, for your review:
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 preventive 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, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
When soap and water are 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.
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.
Thank you,
Audra Beauvais
Superintendent of Schools