A Wiscasset Elementary School student has tested positive for COVID-19 and has no symptoms at this time, Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood said in an email response to questions from Wiscasset Newspaper Wednesday, Nov. 25.  In a letter on wiscassetschools.org Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wood wrote:

“As a follow up to the letter sent on Sunday (announcing Wiscasset Elementary School would, like Wiscasset Middle High School, be remote learning-only through Nov. 30 due to possible COVID-19 exposure), this letter is to inform you that we have received notification that a person at WES has received a positive COVID test result.

“Keeping each student and staff member safe and healthy is our number one priority. Due to the fact that the infected person was not in our school during the infectious period, contact tracing is not necessary. Please be assured that during this time we will continue to take all precautionary measures to ensure that our schools are safe to return to on Nov. 30. If adjustments need to be made to the return to school date, you will be notified prior to Monday ...”
Wood continues, “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.

“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% 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.

“Any questions can be directed to Nurse Marilyn Sprague by calling 882-7767 (option 2) or emailing ​msprague@wiscassetschools.org​  ... Wednesday, Nov. 25 from 8 -11 a.m.  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 your personal healthcare provider for questions about your symptoms. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus,” the letter concludes.