Maine CDC and the Department of Education released a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for responding to COVID-19 in schools. The new SOP states that schools that enforce a universal masking policy may suspend contact tracing. In addition, this rule allows us to continue to have students who are not ill attend school. This is welcome news as it will allow us all to shift our attention to supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our kids.
Universal masking is defined as "a policy of requiring consistent and correct usage of well-fitting masks in indoor spaces for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and across all school-based and school-sponsored activities. To protect the health and safety of all and to ensure we meet the requirements of this exemption, beginning tomorrow, January 13, 2022, masking is required at all times, regardless of whether students are present or not.
Thank you for your understanding. We are all in this together!
Jean Skorapa, Superintendent