At the end of December, the state released a major revision to the “Standard Operating Procedure for Investigation of COVID-19 Cases in PK-12 Schools” (SOP). The SOP is the set of rules/procedures that schools must follow with regards to COVID exposures, isolation, and quarantine. The full revised SOP can be found at this link: https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19/sop The recommendation by the DOE and the CDC is that the community consider vaccination, and to talk with their primary care provider if they have any questions about vaccination. COVID vaccines are available for anyone five years old or older. We urge everyone to conduct home screening before getting on the bus or going to school (link: https://www.maine.gov/doe/sites/maine.gov.doe/files/inline-files/Maine%20DOE%20Pre-Screening%20Tool%20for%20School%20Attendance%2010.19.2021_1.pdf ) We encourage all students and staff to participate in our weekly pooled testing. With symptoms or exposure, we encourage families to seek out lab-based tests at one of these sites: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/testing (we use the lab-based test as the start date for quarantine or isolation…with symptoms or positive results on a home-based test, please seek a lab-based test to follow-up) Our current practices are still important under the revised SOP, as they reduce the frequency of quarantine and the spread of COVID-19. These include: assigned seating, universal masking, increased ventilation, and hand hygiene. Our school still remains safe due to our precautions. The revisions to the state’s SOP will greatly reduce the frequency and length of quarantines from school. If your child has an exposure, please contact the school at 827-2252, ext.101. Thank you all for your continued support in helping to keep our students, staff, and community safe!
Go Wildcats!
