April 19, 2021
Dear Staff, Students, and Families,
This letter is to inform you that there is an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Brunswick High School. An outbreak means that there are three or more cases of COVID-19 within a 14-day period that are epidemiologically linked. Currently, there are three such cases at Brunswick High School. Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms. Call a health care provider if symptoms start. It is important that you call a health care facility before you show up in person.
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.
A school representative has contacted all close contacts.
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 school can be directed to: Principal Troy Henninger, thenninger@brunswicksd.org or School Nurse, Jenny Strout, jstrout@brunswicksd.org at 319-1910.
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,
Phillip J. Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools