RSU37/SAD37
1020 Sacarap Road
Harrington, ME 04643
E-mail: rramsay@msad37.org
Tel: 483-2734
Ronald C. Ramsay Dawn Fickett
Superintendent of Schools Administrative Assistant
March 3, 2020
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We understand that the Novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is causing much anxiety in our community, country and the world. We are working to provide you with the most up to date information on this rapidly evolving situation. As of this morning there are still no confirmed cases in the state of Maine. Following is a brief overview of the current situation. For more information and FAQ’s, we recommend you visit
https://www.maine.gov/doe/covid-19
What is Known
The virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe pneumonia.
Most (81%) of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in China had mild disease, including most children.
Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are older individuals (>60 years old) and those with other medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.
There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19 but the National Institutes of Health is evaluating treatments and developing a vaccine already.
Currently, there is NO confirmed community spread of COVID-19 in Maine, meaning the virus is not being spread from person-to-person. However, experts predict there will eventually be community spread. Our schools are preparing for when/if this happens.
How The Virus Spreads
COVID-19 is believed to spread primarily the same way the common cold or flu spreads—through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes.
People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) with someone who has the disease.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
What You Can Do Now
Keep children home when they are sick.
Teach children to always cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
Remind them to wash their hands with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer) after they touch their face, use the restroom and before they eat.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (everyday household disinfectants are fine)
Because most people with COVID-19 have mild disease, the likelihood that we will be closing schools is very low, but not zero. In the highly unlikely chance that a decision to close school due to a COVID-19 outbreak is made, it is important for parents/guardians to have a plan for who could take care of your child.
The best thing we can do at this time is remind everyone to stay home if sick, cover up any coughs or sneezes, wash hands regularly, and contact their doctor with any concerns or questions.
We are receiving updates as The Maine Department of Education is working directly with Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor this evolving situation. We will continue to provide new information to the community as things change.
Sincerely,
Superintendent of Schools
MSAD #37