Dear Staff, Students, and Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with Mary Snow School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). I am informing you out of an abundance of caution. A school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. 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 for signs and symptoms. Call a healthcare provider if symptoms start. Symptoms may include:

• fever or chills • cough • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • new loss of taste or smell   • sore throat • congestion or runny nose • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea • muscle or body aches   • headache

Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper handwashing. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Wearing a face covering. Covering your cough or sneeze. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. Questions for the school can be directed at (Name of school representative) by calling (contact number). 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.

The Mary Snow School will be closed the week of Nov. 23 and will reopen Monday, Nov. 30. Parent teacher conferences will still be held via digital platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

I wish you all a safe and healthy break. Please take care of yourself and others. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kathy Harris-Smedberg, Ph.D.

Interim Superintendent