MDIRSS to Offer Asymptomatic Testing of Staff for COVID-19

Dr. Marc Gousse, the Superintendent of AOS 91 sent out the following letter to AOS91 staff regarding asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 on Tuesday, November 10th.

Dear Colleagues,

Based upon the advocacy, collaboration and support of community partners MDI Hospital and the Jackson Laboratory, I am pleased to report the MDIRSS AOS#91 is now positioned to implement asymptomatic testing of MDIRSS AOS # 91 school staff for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

This testing program will be used to monitor our schools for evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in concert with current mitigation strategies in working to keep our students, staff, schools healthy and safe. Aligned with best practice, continuous review of data, networking with health care providers and community messaging, asymptomatic testing of staff is tentatively scheduled to be implemented in the first week of December.

To date, we have identified testing cohorts within our district, participated in planning meetings and identified resources/support necessary for this program to be successfully implemented. The next two weeks will be used to finalize logistical details, train key personnel and conduct informational sessions for staff. Initially, we seek to establish a baseline by testing upwards of 500 individuals followed by weekly sentinel testing of staff in pre-established cohorts. This process is similar to "front line" employee testing programs which have been underway locally (in Bar Harbor) since this past summer. Through this testing program, MDIRSS will partner with MDI Hospital, the Jackson Lab and a certified medical entity to conduct sentinel testing of employees for evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in MDIRSS member schools.

In support of this program a key element will be a commitment by participating staff to follow weekly testing schedules and agreement to participate in this program for the remainder of the school year. This testing program will be at no cost to district employees, insurance or any impact to current school budgets as it is being paid through grant funding and generous community donations. I look forward to providing additional information and further details shortly.

Additionally, as a follow up to recent questions relatd to any confirmed positive COVID case(s) in our region and potential exposure(s) please reference the following guidance Return to School and FAQs . In addition to this information and guidance, please contact your school nurse and/or building principal should you have further questions or require additional clarification.

Thank you and take care.

Categories: MDI High School, Mount Desert, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, Trenton