Good Evening,
This past Wednesday, the Maine CDC released updated information regarding school Health and Safety Guidelines. Maine’s official recommendation is that mask wearing should become optional on March 9, 2022. The Standard Operating Procedures developed by the Maine CDC, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Education in the Summer of 2020 has been the document school districts across the state have used to mitigate COVID-19 in the school setting. The newest shift, of optional masking, will be incorporated into those procedures.
What that means for the district is that starting tomorrow, March 4, 2022, masking will be optional in the school setting, including buses as long as local conditions are favorable. Local conditions include student/staff absenteeism rates, national CDC positivity maps, and wastewater testing results. Currently conditions are favorable for “mask optional” and we see that continuing moving forward.
While we realize this is a welcome shift for a portion of our population, some may feel less comfortable. Dr. Shah has stated that someone who is vaccinated, boostered, and wearing a mask is in very strong standing not to contract COVID-19, so we encourage those families and staff who wish to continue to wear masks in the school setting to do so. Our schools will be supportive of those students/staff who continue to wear masks in the school setting. Schools will have the necessary supplies on hand for those who are in need.
It is important to note that should a student/staff member test positive for COVID-19, they need to remain out of school for 5 days and can return on day 6 provided symptoms are dissipating. Upon return, on days 6-10 they will be required to wear a mask.
In closing, please do not hesitate to contact the building-based nurse should you have any questions or need to report a positive COVID-19 case. The building-based nurse will be able to assist you as you navigate these most recent shifts in guidelines.
Sincerely,
Audra Beauvais
Superintendent of Schools