2 individuals associated with MDI High School have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and as a result ALL Classes at MDI High School and will be remote on Thursday, March 11th. This does NOT affect K-8 students.

Matt Haney, the Principal of MDI High School sent out the following email Wednesday evening

Dear MDI Regional School District Staff, Students, and Families, 

This letter is to inform you that two individuals associated with Mount Desert Island High School recently tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is a possibility that other staff or students came in contact with this individual and therefore may have been exposed to the virus.  To allow the maintenance team to disinfect the impacted classrooms MDIHS will be held remotely tomorrow, March 11th.  This includes classes held at MDIHS as well as those at Hancock County Technical Center.  All K-8 Schools will be in session in person as planned.

At this point anyone who is a close contact with the infected individuals has received a call from the school nurse.

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 difficulty 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. 

Maine CDC or a school representative will contact you directly if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive. 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 is 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 our school nurse, Tammy Underwood, Principal Matt Haney or Dean of Students Ian Braun by calling 288-5011. 

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

Get our free mobile app

More From WDEA Ellsworth Maine