The latest information from Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 99 people in Gorham have contracted COVID-19 since March. Although Ephrem Paraschak, the town manager, declined to comment on the status of COVID, he said, “We watch it very closely, but we don’t monitor daily cases.”

The Gorham School Department and two assisted living facilities shared their experiences in detecting and containing the virus.

One person in the school district tested positive in early October, which led to three GHS teachers and 25 students being quarantined for 14 days. According to the Assistant Superintendent Chris Record, these teachers held virtual classes from home while ed techs covered their classrooms. Since the district adopted the hybrid model nearly two months ago, students have been in classrooms two days a week. Record said there have been no issues with students wearing masks in the schools or on athletic fields. Although teachers like the small classes, parents are eager to have students at school all week. Right now, however, Record said, “Our goal is to stay out of the red designation, which would require all classes to be virtual.” He is hoping the Thanksgiving holiday does not produce more cases.

Gorham House has had just one case of COVID-19. After a kitchen worker tested positive, the facility began three cycles of tests for its 170 residents and 240 staff members, all of which were negative. The kitchen staff was isolated from the rest of building, even using a separate door. Other staff members brought their supplies and delivered food to the residents. Gorham House had started allowing outside family visits, but closed that down too. “We will be permitting some inside visits soon,” said Director Michelle Belhumeur. “We are installing plastic shields between residents and visitors.” In November they will be testing staff monthly as required by the CDC.

Sara Forgione, director of The Inn at Village Square, reported there have been no cases of COVID at the assisted-living facility.

Gorham restaurants and stores also have followed CDC guidelines and adhered to Governor Mills’ executive orders; local organizations, churches, and libraries have maintained approved attendants numbers; and Gorham residents wear masks in public places. All this will keep Gorham from experiencing COVID outbreaks, defined by the CDC as three or more cases at a single location.