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Regional School Unit No. 56

147 Weld Street, Dixfield, Maine 04224

Phone: (207)562-4300    -    Fax: (207)562-6075

www.rsu56.org

Pam Doyen, Superintendent of Schools

March 16, 2021

Dear Staff, Students, and Families, 

This letter is to inform you that an individual associated with Dirigo High School recently tested positive for COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, Dirigo High School will be closed to students for 24 hours for contact tracing as well as thorough sanitizing and disinfecting. All Dirigo High School students will be receiving remote instruction tomorrow, Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Unless otherwise advised, in-person learning will resume on Thursday, March 18, 2021. 

Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a healthcare facility before you show up in person. Stay home if you 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:

  COVID Symptoms

Less Common                          Most Common

Headache                                  Cough

Runny nose/congestion             Shortness of breath

Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea         New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain                                Fever (100.4 degrees or higher)

Fatigue                                       Sore Throat

                                                   Chills

A school representative has communicated with all close contacts at this time. Close contacts have been asked to quarantine for 10 days from last exposure to the positive individual. Additionally, per the RSU 56 Return to Classroom Instruction Framework, close contacts will need to complete a full 14 day quarantine from attending school. 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 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. 

Questions for the district can be directed to Pam Doyen by calling 207 562-4251. 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. 

Sincerely, 

Pam Doyen, Superintendent