Peaks Island Elementary School closed on Tuesday, Nov. 22, due to a significant number of positive COVID cases, but is expected to reopen following the holiday break.

With 14 Peaks Island School staff and students absent due to COVID, the school is considered to be in outbreak status by the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC). The state defines outbreak status as at least 15 percent of all students and staff being absent due to a specific illness. School outbreak status does not necessarily warrant school closure and can be evaluated on a case-by case basis.

In the Peaks Island School case, there is not sufficient staff to safely run school or to provide instruction. Additionally, the closure will provide time for students and staff to isolate for at least five days per CDC protocols and allow for thorough cleaning of the facility. All Peaks students and staff are being urged to monitor for symptoms. The school is expected to reopen on Monday, November 28, following the holiday break.