October 1st, 2021
This letter is to inform our community that an individual associated with the Edgecomb Eddy Elementary School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). If you or your child has been identified as a close contact with the person who tested positive, you will be contacted within 24-48 hours. Because of the safety protocols we have in place (masking, distancing, sanitizing, etc…) we are hopeful that there will not be additional cases.
As a result of the positive case, we have individuals who are close contacts. School officials are monitoring this situation in collaboration with the CDC and will alert our community if there are any changes to our current status.
Please monitor yourself and your children for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up for a test in person. Stay home if you are sick. It is important that you complete a self-screener with your children daily before coming to school.
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 New loss of taste or smell
Cough Sore throat
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Congestion or runny nose
Fatigue Nausea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches Diarrhea
Headache
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 preventive 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.
The school is not at liberty to divulge specific information about the individual who tested positive. As a community, we need your help to make sure this situation is not played out on social media. Be respectful of one another in your communications and be mindful of the factual information.
Contact details for more information
● 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.
● For questions about your symptoms, call a healthcare provider. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
● Questions specific to Edgecomb Eddy Elementary School can be directed to: Our school nurse, Candie Crocker at ccrocker@aos98schools.org or our principal, Christina Boursaw at cboursaw@aos98schools.org.
We understand that this is unwelcome news. We will continue to keep you informed as we have updates.