January 22, 2021
Dear Students, Staff, and Families,
I am sending out this letter as a way to provide more information as to the state of affairs concerning COVID-19 within our school district. I am pleased to report that none of our schools had a necessity to move to remote learning this past week. The following numbers are current as of 2:00 pm Friday.
Elementary (K - 5) | Middle (6 - 8) | High (9 - 12) | RSU 38 Staff | |
Positive cases (includes probable positives) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Quarantining | 15 | 4 | 15 | 10 |
Awaiting Test Results | 1 | 6 | 1 | 3 |
These numbers represent a significant decrease from last week. Although still a bit higher than normal, we expect the quarantine numbers to again drop over the course of the coming week.
I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify the covid testing information from last week to emphasize that families and staff members have the choice of the kind of test they may take if they choose to do so. If you have a known exposure and a PCR test is taken that quarantine will end after 10 days for return to school purposes. If a rapid test is taken you can expect to end quarantine after 14 days for return to school purposes. I didn't mean to imply that we were mandating a specific test, that lies within the purview of families and staff members. Our goal is to keep schools open and to maintain a focus on the health and safety of our students and staff.
What follows is a specific list of those sites you can visit for the two different tests that have been used consistently in our area. As always you can always contact your primary care physician for assistance. You can also visit KeepMaineHealthy for a complete list of testing sites and for more information.
Sincerely,
Jay Charette
Superintendent of Schools
Type of Test | Organization | Location | Phone Number | Other information |
Offering testing to people without symptoms or confirmed exposure to COVID-19, and without requiring a provider referral PCR | MaineGeneral Workplace Health | 21 Enterprise Dr Augusta, 04330 | 207-621-7590 Hours of testing are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | This site is only testing asymptomatic individuals who meet criteria in the State's Standing Order. Testing is by appointment only. Appointments must be made by phone, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
PCR | Promerica Health Auburn Transportation Center | 24 Great Falls Plaza Auburn, 04210 | (800) 216-4804 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30am – 4:30pm | Appointments are required and can be made at https://CovidTestForME.com/auburn. |
PCR | Northern Light Inland Hospital | 174 Kennedy Memorial Drive Waterville, 04901 | 844-489-1822 All patients seeking a test under the State Order must visit their website and click on the Asymptomatic button to schedule their test. | Drive-up testing is available only with an appointment, we cannot test on demand at this time. This website allows patients to select the testing site and time most convenient for them. |
Rapid Testing For individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Tests offered at these sites are antigen tests, which are most accurate within the first 7 days of symptom onset. Tests are free of charge and results are generally available in as little as one hour. | Walgreens | Augusta Gardiner Manchester Oakland Waterville Winslow Winthrop | Through a partnership with the State of Maine, Walgreens is offering Rapid Point of Care testing at these locations at no cost to qualifying individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19. To be screened for eligibility and to make an appointment, visit | |