COVID-19 Positive Test For Individual Linked To Brewer High School

A notice was sent out Wednesday evening from Brewer schools about an individual connected with the school who tested positive for COVID-19.

Brewer Schools Superintendent Gregg Palmer sent the letter Wednesday evening to parents and staff at the schools.

The notice does state that the individual who tested positive for the coronavirus wasn't someone in direct contact with students, but did have some contact with staff members at Brewer High School.

Palmer said all of those who had contact with the individual have been identified and interviewed for contact tracing. Palmer states in the letter the incident will not affect Brewer schools' regular session scheduled for Thursday.

Here is the notice sent to parents and staff from Brewer Schools Superintendent Gregg Palmer:

Dear Staff and Brewer Schools’ Families,

This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with Brewer High School has recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The person did not have direct contact with students and limited contact with other staff members following the time when they were most likely infected. All close contacts have been identified and interviewed.

Based on our careful investigation it has been determined that school will be in regular session on Thursday, October 1.

We are informing you out of an abundance of caution. As we do every day, staff will continue to monitor themselves for any signs and symptoms, as should our students with support from parents and guardians. Individuals should call a health care provider if they develop symptoms. It is important to call a healthcare facility before showing up in person if symptoms appear.

People should stay home when they are sick. 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
• headache • new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat • congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting • diarrhea
• muscle or body aches

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. 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. Maine CDC recommends prevention measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include proper hand washing 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. Questions for the school should be directed to Superintendent Gregg Palmer by calling (207)989-3160. 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 any symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Great people inside of the Brewer School Department and at the Maine Center for Disease Control have worked together to make sure everyone is safe and each and every appropriate step and precaution has been taken.

Sincerely,
Gregg Palmer, Superintendent of Schools