Good Afternoon BRHS Family,
Below is a letter from the Superintendent of AOS 98, Dr. Keith Laser.
Dr. Laser’s letter reviews the latest updates on travel guidelines both in and outside of the United States. As Dr. Laser states, it is important that we continue to work together and not let our guards down. Caring for ourselves, one another and community is always important. As we move forwards with excitement and anticipation of Graduation of the Class of 2021, it is imperative we do all we can to keep everyone healthy and safe. Thank you for your attention to the guidelines.
Principal Campbell
May 5, 2021
Dear AOS 98 Faculty, Staff and Families,
State of Maine officials recently updated state travel guidelines in response to changes to address the COVID 19 pandemic. To be in line with the state guidance, schools in AOS 98 will adjust our policies as follows.
AOS 98 Travel Guidelines within the United States:
AOS 98 administrators will no longer require proof of a negative PCR test or require student or staff to quarantine for travelers within the United States. If one or more states see a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement to travelers to and from that state. The Maine CDC will publicly announce any such states when they are identified and the AOS will follow these requirements and again require PCR testing. Although testing is not required following travel it is highly recommended. Many states have a higher transmission rate and are experiencing more aggressive variants of COVID-19. Testing is easy to get and in most cases offered free of charge.
AOS 98 International Travel Guidelines:
For any staff or students who travel internationally:
Quarantine for 7 days from arrival in the US AND get a COVID-19 PCR test in Maine 3-5 days after arrival in the US. If the COVID-19 test is positive, then you are required to isolate. Even if the COVID-19 test is negative, complete the 7-day quarantine after travel. If individuals arriving from international travel do not get a COVID-19 test after their arrival, they must quarantine for 10 days after their arrival in the US. Avoid being around anyone who is at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness for 14 days following arrival in the US, regardless of COVID-19 test results. Any staff or students who have traveled internationally will not be permitted inside the school building for a minimum of 7 days, even if a negative test has occurred.
Vaccine exemption: Individuals who have completed a COVID-19 vaccination series and are 14 days beyond the completion of the series, are not required to quarantine unless they are experiencing symptoms. Testing is recommended 3-5 days after arrival in the US. Individuals should also avoid being around anyone who is at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness for 14 days following arrival in the US, regardless of COVID-19 test results.
For those who have had COVID-19: An individual who had a positive COVID-19 molecular or antigen test is exempt from the testing and 10-day quarantine requirement for 90 days (3 months) after their first positive test, provided they remain asymptomatic. Proof will need to be provided to your school nurse.
Any person who is quarantining should stay home, and not have in-person contact with others unless there is an emergency. There has been a recent increase in community spread cases, therefore, please continue to follow best practice safety protocols: wear a mask, keep physical distance, wash your hands, and complete the daily health screener and monitor you or your child for symptoms.
We can’t let our guard down quite yet.
Sincerely yours,
Keith S. Laser, Ed.D.
AOS 98, Superintendent of Schools