On Friday, January 15, the MDOE and the Maine CDC released their school instructional designation for the state of Maine. Aroostook County was labeled as green, allowing full in-person learning and instructions. The Mills Administration declared, “Aroostook County’s positivity rate continues to be above the state average, but its new case rate per 10,000 people has remained steady and is now below the statewide average.”

What does this mean for us? 

The “green” categorization means our county has a lower risk of COVID-19 spread. Our school can be in-person as long as we perform the required safety measures. 

What would happen if we were “yellow”?

The “yellow” categorization would mean our county has a higher risk of COVID-19 spread. With the “yellow” categorization, schools would have to follow more precautions and/or introduce hybrid learning. Hybrid learning would reduce the amount of students in the classroom.

What counties are “yellow”?

Androscoggin, Cumberland, Oxford, and York counties are all categorized as “yellow.” These counties’ positive rates exceed the state’s averages, as they continue to increase in both 14-day new case rates per 10,000 people. All other counties are considered “green.” 

The MDOE updates their decisions regarding the instructional designation every two weeks. The next indication will be on January 29.

This is the link for the official statement:

https://mainedoenews.net/2021/01/15/priority-notice-mills-administration-updates-covid-19-school-health-advisory-system/