April 7, 2021
Dear Students and Families,
We were notified today that a student in the Upper School tested positive for COVID-19. The student was last in school on Tuesday, April 6. Because this individual developed symptoms less than 48 hours after being at school, we have been directed to notify families of students who had close contact with the individual, and they must quarantine their child. We are currently contacting these families by email. If you do not receive a an email, then your child was not one who had close contact with this individual. However, there is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this person and may be exposed to the virus. As always, please monitor your child for signs and symptoms. It is very important to keep your child home if they are feeling ill.
Students in quarantine (close contacts) will need to shift to remote learning through Friday, April 16, 2021 with a return to in-person instruction on Wednesday, April 21 (following the long weekend). Based on directives from the CDC and the number of close contacts, we will be able to resume in-person instruction for those students who are not considered close contacts (in quarantine). Upper School students who are not in quarantine will continue with in-person learning. At this time, there is no impact on Lower or Middle School instruction. Mr. Austin will share additional information with remote students and notify teachers of students who will be appearing remotely. Additional important information and resources on COVID-19 are included below.
We share your disappointment for these students. It is frustrating for us all. It reflects the times that we live in, and we will continue to make decisions in accordance with CDC guidelines and in the best interests of the health and safety of our community. We will work diligently to maximize the impact of remote learning for those affected and maximize in-person learning and participation in activities for all. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Jackson
Head of School
About COVID-19:
The CDC provides specific guidance regarding individual quarantining and our ability to keep the school open for in-person instruction. Only students who are close contacts need to quarantine; family members of close contacts may continue to attend school and work as normal unless the student should test positive or develop symptoms.
If you have questions specific to this case at NYA, please contact Ashley Moody, NYA Health Services Coordinator.
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. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call a health care provider. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Additional Information:
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 • cough • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • fatigue • muscle or body aches • headache • new loss of taste or smell • sore throat • congestion or runny nose • nausea or vomiting • diarrhea
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 several 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 is 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.
If you have questions specific to quarantining or this case at NYA, please contact Ashley Moody, NYA Health Services Coordinator. 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. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call a health care provider. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
From CDC Glossary of Terms:
Quarantine
Process of separating and restricting the movement of individuals that were in close contact with someone who tested positive or had symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 must stay home for a minimum of 10 days since the last day of contact with the person with COVID-19 and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. The CDC requires a quarantine period of 10 days from the last exposure to the individual. In the interest of safety, NYA requires 14 days prior to returning to school from last exposure. Persons in quarantine should self-monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice and test if recommended by Maine CDC or healthcare provider. Screening Assessing individuals for symptoms of COVID-19 verbally or via self/parent attestation. Temperature checks may be performed by the school if desired.
Close Contact
In general, being within six feet of an infected person (with or without a face mask) for at least 15 minutes (in aggregate for certain situations like extra-curricular activities or athletics), or having unprotected direct contact with secretions or excretions of a person with confirmed COVID-19 during the infectious period. The CDC also determines any students who have been in the same classroom for a period of 15 minutes or more to be considered a close contact.
