December 14, 2020
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
During these difficult times where we are seeing the impact of Covid-19 in our communities, we understand the worry and concerns that present themselves. We want to let you know that our staff and students continue to do a tremendous job following the health and safety guidelines. We also are working diligently to provide information to our community as quickly as possible. With that, we also need to provide the appropriate information that is given from the CDC in a rather formal way when we have a positive case.
This letter is to share that there has been an individual associated with the Noble Middle School (grades 6,7) who has a potential positive Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) case. Due to the potential impact to staff, the entire Maroon Six Team will need to participate in school remotely until January 11, 2020. There is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this individual and therefore may be exposed to the virus. 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 health care facility before you show up in person. And please, stay home if you are sick.
School representatives have contacted those directly who have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive. The CDC will also be contacting these families as well as any others who may be identified as close contacts as contact tracing begins. Close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 10 days from last exposure to the positive individual. A negative test result does not release an individual from quarantine.
We have also been notified of a positive COVID-19 case at Noble High School, however; this individual was not in school during their infectious period, so there were not close contacts involved at school.
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, and 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.
Any changes to the current situation will be relayed to our families as quickly as possible. Please understand that our goal is to keep all of our students and staff safe.
Sincerely,
Audra Beauvais
Superintendent of Schools