COVID

TO: SAU #23 Families and Staff

FROM: Laurie Melanson, Superintendent of Schools

DATE: March 22, 2021

Our schools have done very well during this challenging year. While other schools remained fully remote most of the year, we were able to offer more days in school. At this point, all of our schools are in person 4.5 or 5 full days per week and are looking to finish the year strong.

With more people getting vaccinated and low numbers of positive cases, the NH Department of Health and Human Services has updated travel guidance and quarantine guidelines. Here are some of the key points we will follow:

• Travel in the U.S., including U.S. territories, will not require quarantine

• International travel or cruise travel will require quarantine, unless:

  • You are fully vaccinated, or

  • You were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the prior 90 days and have immunity.

  • The quarantine can end after 7 days if you are asymptomatic and have a negative PCR test (not the fast one) on the 6th or 7th day of quarantine.

• Travelers should: wear a well-fitted, multi-layered mask, physically distance 6 feet from other people, avoid large groups, frequently sanitize hands, and self-monitor for symptoms. (Regardless of vaccination status or prior immunity)

• All Travelers are recommended to be tested 3-5 days after travel (domestic and international)

Reminder: Covid symptoms

Students and staff will continue to be excluded from school if demonstrating any of the many covid like symptoms. With allergy season upon us. If you or your child have chronic allergies, a note from your doctor will keep your child in school when exhibiting allergy symptoms. Please don’t blame the nurses, secretaries, or principals if your child is sent home- they are working hard and doing what is asked of them.

I am thankful for the support of our schools and communities. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.