Universal masking is still required by all school staff, students and visitors when inside of our schools and/or buses. This has not changed.
The Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) announced these changes on 12/30/21 in large part as a response and in alignment to recent changes made by the National CDC regarding isolation and quarantine changes recently made at those levels.
Changes have been made to the quarantine, outbreak status, universal masking exemption, vaccination status and exposure guidelines in response to COVID-19. The changes are intended to help keep more students in classrooms while protecting the overall health and safety of our schools’ students and staff.
You may view the full revised SOP here. These changes became operational in Gorham schools beginning on Monday, Jan. 3, 2021.
Quarantine/Isolation Length: Maine CDC has adopted the new federal guidance for quarantine and isolation length. Quarantines for non-exempt close contacts will now be 5 days instead of 10. Isolation periods for those who test positive for COVID-19 will now be 5 days with a requirement that individuals wear masks for 5 days after while around others (assuming their symptoms have improved).
Outbreak Status: The previous definition of 3 cases over 14 days has been retired. The new definition will be measured using student and staff absenteeism rates. An outbreak investigation will be opened when greater than 15% of a school population is absent.
Universal Masking Exemption: The universal masking exemption can now be applied to other school activities. Schools that practice universal masking can apply the exemption to the school bus and other school activities. Children who are exempted through this provision will be able to participate in school sports and activities. It will not exempt them from community quarantine.
COVID-19 Exposures: Exposures in outdoor settings, even with physical contact, will not require contact tracing or quarantine. This includes recess and outdoor sporting events.
Vaccination Status: The definition of “fully vaccinated” has changed. Students and staff will now be considered fully vaccinated and eligible for school and community quarantine exemptions if they meet one of the following conditions:
- The student/staff is boosted; or
- The student is a fully vaccinated 16- or 17-year-old who, according to the CDC, may receive a booster, but has not yet done so; or
- Is not eligible for a booster, but is 14 days beyond their final dose of COVID-19 vaccine; or
- Completed their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna within the past 6 months or J&J vaccine within two months.