Update:  On March 8, 2022 during the School Board meeting, the board voted 6-0 in favor of approving the updated COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

During the Cape Elizabeth District Planning Committee on Thursday, March 3, 2022, Superintendent Christopher Record announced his recommendation that Cape Elizabeth schools move to a mask-optional protocol beginning Monday, March 14.  The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced on March 9 that universal masking would no longer be a statewide recommendation for schools, but would remain optional for students and staff.   Record said that his recommendation was based on, "Having followed Maine CDC from the beginning and that has served us well; and our local data case numbers are extremely low among students and staff."  Since February 4 the district positivity rate fluctuated between 0.2% to 0.5%.  However, Record emphasized that the Maine CDC change and therefore the district's change, is dependent on continued stability of COVID-19 trends in Maine, including reduced hospitalizations, reduced virus levels in wastewater, and reduced school cases and absenteeism.  

Keeping in mind that mask wearing has been a hot-topic issue across the country, Record stressed that wearing or not wearing a mask should be a supported and respected choice for all. "Every student and staff member will be supported for their mask choice.  Any negative comments or harassment will not be tolerated," Record said.  With this in mind, delaying the date of the mask-optional protocol to March 14, Record and other members of the District Planning Committee hope to provide staff, students, and families with enough time to process the implications of the change.  Troy Eastman, Principal of Cape Elizabeth Middle School added that, "People are impacted by all of these decisions; taking a little time to process is wise and healthy."

School physician Smith Sonti said that she supported this decision.  She noted that the, "Driver for school transmission is community transmission," and that she believes state data will soon catch up to show actual low levels.  Sonti stressed the importance of continuing to use pooled testing as a mitigation measure as it is very effective in catching the presence of the virus in the early stages.  Furthermore, "Continue to stay home when sick," Sonti said.  Should someone test positive with COVID-19, a five-day isolation period, followed by mask wearing during days 6-10, is still required. 

A recording of the entire March 3 District Planning Committee, which provides greater details on the process, is available on demand HERE.