Updated as of 1:05 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021
Universal mask mandate extended until October 18
As a result of a fifth positive COVID-19 result that was connected to the cluster at LHS, the universal mask mandate has been extended from October 12 to October 18.
Mr. Parent sent out an email on Oct. 6 regarding the situation.
“NH DHHS reviews every reported / confirmed case and if they conclude that it is linked to a cluster or outbreak, they reset the timeline on universal masking” Mr. Parent said.
It is known that the last date of exposure from the fifth case connected at LHS was October 4, extending universal masking at our school in accordance with NH DHHS guidelines.
For further questions, regarding Department of Health or Re-opening plans, contact Director of Pupil Services, Kim Carpinone, at [email protected] or Assistant Superintendent, Dan Black, at [email protected].
The following was posted on October 12, 2021
A COVID-19 cluster was identified at LHS on October 3, resulting in universal masking from Monday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 12.
According to an email sent out by Mr. Parent on October 3, “Over the weekend we had a third positive COVID-19 case that was connected to the prior cases in specific classrooms/periods,” Parent said. “This third case between September 27 and October 1 is part of a ‘related group of individuals’. After consulting with public health, this moved us from a “Watch” level to a “Cluster” of COVID 19 in our school building.”
As a result of LHS going from “Watch” to “Cluster,” stricter health procedures are needed to mitigate further spread of COVID-19 were shared, including:
- Students and staff will be required to wear masks from the last day of exposure inside the school building, which was Sept. 29, through October 12 (the next six school days).
- The safest thing that all members of our school community can do over this period is to wear masks while indoors and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Public Health did support our reopening plan in that if families want to test out of this masking requirement they can do so. That means if a family can produce a negative PCR test to the school after October 3, they can do so.
Students and staff have been requested to monitor the following symptoms:
- Fever/chills (measured 100.4F)
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue or Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If symptoms arise, students and staff are asked to isolate and get tested for COVID-19.
Administration understands that the situation is not ideal, however, Parent urges for cooperation over the next school week.
“Obviously this is not good news to be communicating to our community,” Parent said. “We ask for your patience and support as we navigate these difficult times and do all we can for students.”
For further questions, regarding Department of Health or Re-opening plans, contact Director of Pupil Services, Kim Carpinone, at [email protected] or Assistant Superintendent, Dan Black, at [email protected].
