January 1, 2022
Dear RSU57 Parents and Staff,
On December 30th, the Maine CDC and DOE released an updated version of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all Maine schools. These changes will allow for fewer days of quarantine and more opportunities for students and staff to remain in the classroom setting.
Revisions to the updated guidance include the following:
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 may return to school after five (5) days of isolation if symptoms have been resolved and wear a mask around others for an additional five (5) days. Review US CDC criteria for U.S. CDC criteria for release from isolation.
Changes relevant to close contacts:
Due to our universal masking policy, students and staff are eligible to attend school even in cases where the exposure took place within the community.
The only quarantine required (shortened duration of five days) is relevant to outside of school for those who are not fully vaccinated.
Children on the bus and outside sports are no longer considered close contacts if exposed.
Asymptomatic close contacts should test on day five (5) following exposure.
Symptomatic close contacts should be tested as soon as possible.
Students and staff who are exposed must wear a mask outside of school when around others for 10 days.
Please continue to report positive cases during the school vacation by emailing ReportPositive@rsu57.org. Case information gathered here will provide adequate data for our nurses upon their return from school vacation.
Our focus in response to the pandemic continues to be keeping our community safe and keeping our schools open. We will continue to engage all of the mitigation strategies we have in place such as universal masking, handwashing/hand sanitizer use, physical distancing, and pooled testing. Thank you for your continued support.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 3, 2022!
Until then, be well Mustang Nation,
Larry Malone, Superintendent of Schools