superintendent

October 23, 2020

Dear Staff, Students, and Families:

The Brunswick School Department has received confirmation from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a student at Brunswick High School has tested positive for COVID-19. The positive test result was reported to the school on Friday, October 23rd at 8:40 a.m. The student last attended classes in Brunswick High School on Friday, October 16th. 

There is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this individual and therefore, may have been exposed to the virus.  We are informing you out of an abundance of caution.  Please monitor yourself/your student for signs and symptoms.  Call a health care provider if symptoms start.  It is essential that you call a health care 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:

• fever or chills • new loss of taste or smell • cough • sore throat • shortness of breath or difficult breathing
• congestion or runny nose • fatigue • nausea or vomiting • muscle or body aches • diarrhea • headache 

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 will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive.  

The Maine CDC may also contact you.

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 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 are 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 or Jenny Strout, School Nurse 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

Phillip J. Potenziano, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools