"Outbreak" Status Closes SHS/SRTC Until Further Notice

September 20, 2020

Dear Sanford High School Students and Families,

This letter is to inform you that two more individuals associated with Sanford High School / Sanford Regional Technical Center tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) over the weekend.  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.  Maine CDC or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. 

Sanford High School / Sanford Regional Technical Center has now had three positive cases of COVID-19 that are epidemiologically linked within a 14-day period.  We moved from our “yellow” hybrid model at SHS/SRTC to a “red” full distance learning beginning this Monday, September 21st.  According to the Maine CDC, three positive outbreaks constitute an outbreak and based on their recommendations, we are closing SHS/SRTC for additional cleaning and to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.  We will continue to monitor the situation but I expect the facility to be closed and SHS/SRTC to be in “red” full distance learning for a minimum of two weeks. 

Please continue to monitor yourself/your student(s) 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.

COVID-10 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
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

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 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 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.

Questions for Sanford High School can be directed to Principal Matt Petermann or School Nurse Lynne Signore by calling 324-4050.  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@s11maine.org  or call a health care provider for questions about your symptoms.  More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.dov/coronavirus .

Sincerely,

Matt Nelson, Superintendent