KEY POINTS

• The CDC changed the designation of Covid risk level in Hancock County from “High” to “Medium.”

• We continue to follow CDC guidance and based on their new designation masking indoors will now be optional rather than required (as of March 7).

• Our After School Youth Club will continue to mirror the school’s policy of requiring masks for the kids indoors. If/When the school changes that policy, we will do the same.

• Those with other risk factors are encouraged to speak with a doctor before making a decision to wear a mask or not.

• If the CDC risk designation changes, this policy will be adjusted to reflect it.

 Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, The Neighborhood House has followed the guidance of the CDC as well as mirrored the policies of our local School Department regarding masking, distancing, etc. Our goal has always been and will continue to be prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our entire community.

Since late last summer that has included basing masking requirement on the transmission rate of Covid-19 in Hancock County. With the emergence of both the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus that transmission rate was quickly deemed “High” by the CDC and has stayed in that range since. Our response was a “masks for all” policy and we are thankful virtually all guests and visitors at The Neighborhood House have happily complied.

Last week the federal CDC changed their approach to determining county-by-county risk levels of Covid-19. The new formula considers not just rate of transmission, but also new hospitalizations and available staffed beds over a seven-day period. As of today, the federal CDC has labeled Hancock County (and the 15 other Maine counties) as having a “Medium” risk level.

Therefore, effective Monday, March 7 masks will no longer be required for adults while indoors at The Neighborhood House. However, our After School program will continue to mirror the policy of the school system which for the time being still requires indoor masking. When and if the schools amend their policies, we will follow suit for programs focused on that age group.

Currently, the federal CDC updates their data and risk levels on a weekly basis. Should the risk level associated with Hancock County change back to “High,” The Neighborhood House will return to requiring face coverings be worn by all indoors.

The change to a “medium” risk level has us heading in the right direction, but it does not mean risk of infection is eliminated. The CDC recommends that if you have any health issues that you talk to your doctor before deciding whether to wear a mask or not. Additionally, we still require that if you are feeling ill or displaying any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19, that you refrain from entering The Neighborhood House. Likewise, if you have tested positive for Covid-19 we request you complete any advised isolation procedures before participating in our programs.

While improving metrics regarding Covid is certainly welcomed news, we also realize that “ditching the mask” can feel like a big shift. Two years ago, the idea of wearing a mask seemed foolish to most of us, but now our coat pockets and car seats are lined with them and they are treated like any other part of our wardrobes (admittedly, they do keep your face warm in the winter!). That said, many of you still might prefer to continue with wearing a face covering while indoors at The Neighborhood House, and that’s perfectly fine. We want EVERYONE to feel comfortable and ask that masked or unmasked, we continue to treat one and other with kindness and respect.

Lastly, please be aware that many other groups and organizations make use of The Neighborhood House for various gatherings and events. If those utilizing the space choose to implement stricter policies for attendance, we ask that you adhere to their requests.

Thank you in advance for your continued cooperation. We hope that the positive trends in case counts and hospitalizations continues and look forward to seeing some more smiling faces!