September 23, 2020
Dear Maranacook Community,
We realize that this is a confusing time and that we all have many questions regarding COVID-19 and school attendance for students and staff. We are here to support you and your families in any way that we can. We’d like to take some time to address some frequently asked questions.
1. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
-Isolation is for someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and has been told by a healthcare provider to isolate.
-Quarantine is for someone who has been determined to be a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, or someone who has traveled to a non-exempt state or internationally, or someone who is waiting for a COVID-19 test result
2. Someone in my household is sick and had a COVID-19 test done but we still don’t have the results. I feel fine though, can I still come to school?
-Yes, you may come to school if you (the staff member) or the student is not symptomatic. However, if the person receives a positive test result you must stay home and contact your school nurse (for families) or supervisor (for staff members).
3. If I travel out of state or internationally do I need to quarantine for 14 days after?
-It depends on the state that you travel to and it is subject to change. Currently Maine Residents are exempt from quarantining after traveling to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Please refer to the following website and/or reach out to your school nurse or administrator for guidance: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine/keepmainehealthy/faq
4. Can I get a COVID-19 test to opt out of quarantine from travel or from being a close contact?
-If you are considered a close contact of a positive case, you cannot get out of quarantine with a negative test result.
-For quarantine after travel to a non-exempt state, if you get a negative result from a COVID-19 test you can leave quarantine before the 14 days are finished.
Families should feel free to reach out to their school nurse with any questions related to COVID-19 and school attendance. Staff should reach out to their supervisor with questions regarding COVID-19 and coming to work. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate our way through this uncharted territory.
Thank you and stay safe,
The RSU38 district nursing staff