This story has been updated.
CARIBOU, Maine — RSU 39 initiated its “red,” or remote learning, plan after two “probable” COVID-19 cases were discovered Tuesday, with Limestone Community School quickly adopting the same plan out of caution.
Superintendent Tim Doak sent out a letter to the community on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in which he said all RSU 39 schools will provide remote instruction for the rest of the week, awaiting COVID testing results.
He said the two individuals are currently in isolation at home and will only return to the school once they are deemed clear by CDC guidelines and confirmed by their primary care providers.
Whether the two individuals were staff or students was not clear.
“As planned, school personnel immediately activated our contact tracing protocol and began reaching out to people in our school community who may have been in contact with these individuals,” Doak wrote. “School personnel have also reached out to the Maine CDC to help with establishing a thorough tracing program.”
If the test results are negative, schools will resume in-person instruction on Monday, Oct. 26. RSU 39 will provide another update on the situation on Friday, Oct. 23.
Limestone Community School also transitioned into red for the remainder of the week. Superintendent William Dobbins sent out a letter saying the decision was made out of an abundance of caution, as many resources and students are shared between the schools.
“At the current time Limestone Community School administration has no information or evidence that this has directly impacted any Limestone students,” Dobbins wrote, adding that the school will send out updates to the community as soon as more information is available.
Caribou High School Athletic Director Evan Graves also issued a statement informing the public that athletics, including games and practices, will be on hold during this time. Graves wrote that he will provide another update on Friday, Oct. 23, adding that athletics will resume on Monday, Oct. 26 if the test results are negative.
The postseason for Caribou’s varsity soccer teams is slated to begin Thursday, Oct. 29, for the girls and Friday, Oct. 30, for the boys. Both squads are 5-1 on the season and ranked second in Division I (large schools).
In the meantime, Doak encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their children are wearing masks, washing their hands and staying home if they feel sick, and to call their primary care provider if they or their child are showing symptoms.
In his letter Doak encouraged those with questions to reach out to him.
“By working together, we will get through these challenging times. With your participation, we believe we can create a safe and meaningful experience for your children,” he said.
