HODGDON, Maine — Students in SAD 70 are spending the week in a remote learning status after the district announced Sunday afternoon that a positive COVID-19 case was confirmed in one of the schools.
In a letter sent to staff, students and their families, Superintendent Stephen Fitzpatrick said that a person associated with SAD 70 recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Maine CDC or a school representative has contacted those who are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Close contacts will be asked to quarantine for 10 days from last exposure to the positive individual. A negative test result does not get an individual out of quarantine. “
Additional people may also have been affected.
“There is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this individual and therefore may have been exposed to the virus,” he added. “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 important that you call a health care facility before you show up in person. Stay home if you are sick.”
It marks the first time in months that a school in southern Aroostook County has had to transition to remote learning because of COVID-19. SAD 70 will spend April 12-16 in a remote learning model.
In addition, the district has rescheduled its monthly school board meeting, originally scheduled for Monday, April 12, to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, at Hodgdon Middle-High School. The school board will review and vote on the 2021-22 school budget at that meeting.
Questions for the district can be directed to Fitzpatrick by calling 207-532-3015.
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.
Information also can be found at www. maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
