8/31/20 | Entry Testing Update from the President

Dear MMA Community,

As we complete our initial COVID-19 screening process, I am writing to advise you that two students who returned to the area over the weekend from out of state tested positive. As described in earlier communications, privacy laws prevent us from identifying these individuals. The students are asymptomatic, had very limited contact with others, and the contact tracing process for these individuals has been completed, resulting in nine students being placed in quarantine or isolation status for the next two weeks.

This is the plan and process that was developed to support our return to classes. Our screening testing worked as we had hoped. By catching these asymptomatic cases early, we limit the spread of the virus. We will continue this process throughout the term with our surveillance testing program and we will keep you updated as things progress. For current testing and case statistics, please access the MMA COVID-19 Dashboard online.

I also want to inform you that the CDC has advised us that they will be opening an epidemiological investigation into the cases at the Academy. This is designed to provide proactive guidance and support to us and the impacted students. Dr. Nirav Shah, the Director of the Maine CDC, will be mentioning this investigation in his briefing tomorrow.

We all have to be vigilant in our adherence to the processes and steps described in the “12 Ways to 12 Weeks” program. By following those steps including face coverings, distancing, and proper sanitization, we can operate safely. Unfortunately, if these procedures are not followed, you risk exposure to the virus and jeopardize our plans for a successful semester on campus.

Thank you again for all your help in complying with all of these new procedures to keep us safe and on campus.

Sincerely,

Dr. William J. Brennan
President
Maine Maritime Academy