Updated COVID-19 Travel Requirements 12.14.20

December 14, 2020

Dear Sanford School Community,

I would like to thank the Sanford School Community for continuing to work to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Your diligence in following health protocols has helped keep our schools safe.

As the holiday season continues, I would like to share the following updated COVID-19 travel requirements from Governor Mills and the Maine CDC. 

Mainers are asked to cancel or postpone all travel.  If you do travel out of state, the following restrictions will affect an individual’s return to school:

  • All out-of-state travelers visiting Maine AND Maine residents returning to Maine after out of state travel must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.  Travelers should monitor for signs and symptoms for an additional 4 days.  The State will allow travelers returning to Maine who have a negative COVID-19 antigen or molecular (PCR, NAAT, or isothermal) test collected no more than 72 hours before returning to Maine to forego the 10-day quarantine upon returning to Maine.  An antibody test is not acceptable to forgo quarantine for those returning to Maine.  For up to date information regarding exempt states, go to https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine/keepmainehealthy   (As of 12/11/20, only New Hampshire and Vermont are considered exempt.)
  • Families planning to travel to a non-exempt state or states should notify their child’s school nurse prior to travel.  If the family chooses not to self-quarantine for 10 days upon returning to Maine, the school nurse will need proof of the child’s negative COVID-19 test result before he/she can return to in-person learning.
  • Staff members planning to travel to a non-exempt state or states should notify their immediate supervisor prior to travel. If an employee chooses not to self-quarantine for 10 days upon returning to Maine, Human Resources Specialist Donna Michaud (Central Office) will need proof of the employee’s negative COVID-19 test result before he/she can return to work.

 We have also received inquiries about travelers from out of state visiting families in Maine over the holidays.  The guidelines are very similar and can be accessed at this link: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus/travel.shtml 

I appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our students, staff and the wider community safe.  Your continued vigilance in following COVID-19 safety protocols is crucial to keeping our schools open.  If you have any questions regarding your specific travel plans, please contact your child’s school nurse or Human Resources.

Sincerely,

Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools