Positive COVID-19 Case at Sanford Middle School

November 15, 2020

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students and Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with Sanford Middle School tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, November 14th.  There is a possibility that staff or students came in contact with this individual and were exposed to the virus.  Out of an abundance of caution, all Sanford Middle School students will have a full remote day on Monday, November 16th while we complete our contact tracing.  A Maine CDC or school representative will contact anyone identified as a close contact of the individual who tested positive.  We expect to complete contact tracing tomorrow and return to in-person learning at Sanford Middle School on Tuesday, November 17th.  If anything changes, we will notify everyone as quickly as possible.  All close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure to the positive individual.  A negative test result does not get an individual out of quarantine.  Please monitor yourself/your student and call a health care provider if you experience symptoms.  Remember, it is important that everyone accurately complete the symptom check each day before coming to school and stay home if you are sick.

Reminder – Only Sanford Middle School will have a full remote day for students and staff on Monday, November 16th.  All other schools will continue to follow their normal hybrid schedule.  

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
  • 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 the school can be directed to your building administrator.  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.

Sincerely,

 Matt Nelson,   Superintendent of Schools