COVID cases creeping upward in Morris School District; officials urge no travel amid concerns about new variants

Morris School District COVID numbers, March 5, 2021.
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Morristown High School saw 11 new cases of COVID-19 this week. There are 23 active cases across the 10 schools of the Morris School District, which has reported 333 positive tests for the novel coronavirus since classes reopened last September.

District officials on Friday said the latest numbers are reasons to redouble masking- and social distancing efforts.

The full statement follows.

FROM THE MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT:

  • COVID Trends. The next several weeks may mark a transitional period in the public health crisis: on the one hand, as vaccinations increase and the weather improves, we may continue to see a downward trend in case numbers and related hospitalizations overall; on the other hand, with increased spread of coronavirus variants and the upcoming holidays and spring breaks, there is a potential for a “fourth wave.” We should be prepared for rapidly changing information that may impact district decisions and actions.
  • Case in point: late last week, our region was de-escalated to the “yellow” (moderate risk) level, and, accordingly, the quarantine time frame was reduced from 14 days to 10 days. Then just yesterday, the NJ Department of Health reversed this designation, and our region is now once again in the “orange” (high risk) category, which requires a full 14-day quarantine. This past week, we have seen a definite increase in positive cases in the district (11 cases at MHS alone–all with no impact on anyone else within the school building, but which nonetheless demonstrate that coronavirus is still prevalent within our community). Following the direction of the local health departments and in accordance with CDC and NJDOH recommendations, we will continue to require a 14-day quarantine until we are directed otherwise (presumably, once we are safely and reliably in the yellow).
  • As a result, continued and consistent vigilance is still warranted as we move into spring. Please continue to follow the precise stipulations of the Daily Student Screening or COVID/Attendance Screener for staff. Above all, individuals should not report to school if they exhibit symptoms (which include fever of 100 degrees F or higher WITHOUT fever-reducing medicine), or if any member of the household is awaiting test results or has been instructed to get a COVID-19 test. Thank you for your ongoing vigilance and partnership.
  • Spring Break Travel and Quarantine. The CDC, NJDOH, and our local health departments are extremely concerned about travel because of the presence of multiple, highly transmissible and potent coronavirus variants circulating throughout the United States. Accordingly, current guidance is to continue avoiding any nonessential travel. Please note that we are scheduled to resume in-person instruction immediately after spring break, on April 5. Anyone who returns to NJ from travel outside our immediate region (CT, DE, NY, PA) must quarantine. Families are reminded to contact the school nurse upon return from travel for instructions and quarantine dates. We appreciate your cooperation and open communication regarding travel and quarantine so that we can ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.
  • Vaccines for Educators. Governor Murphy has announced that NJ educators can begin receiving the vaccine on March 15. Vaccine supplies are expected to triple in NJ and throughout the nation over the next four weeks. We continue to work on arranging for vaccination of MSD staff through our local partnerships so that when supply becomes available, we can respond quickly.
  • 4th Marking Period. We received over 2,800 responses to our 4th Marking Period Interest Survey last week. Thank you for providing valuable input. We expect to share our plans for any refinements to the school day schedule with the district community the week of March 15. Official 4th Marking Period Enrollment Forms will be distributed at that time.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Christopher take a look at this article. I’m sure crooked NJEA Leadership has done the same but they haven’t been caught yet.

    https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/01/07/ctuo-j06.html

    Feel free to continue your quarantine Christopher and do so as your told by the government.

    You’re just another brick in the wall. I’ll remain a free thinker as an adult and dictate what’s best for my family and I.

    Just an FYI you also spelled America incorrectly.

  2. What teachers and union leaders are traveling to Florida for spring break? Where did you get this information? Or are you just making stuff up?

    “Meanwhile,” not “mean while.”

    Yeah who cares if you and your family help spread the virus. The heck with everyone else, because freedom! ‘Murica!

  3. Another panic piece funded by the NJEA.
    Mean while teachers and union leaders are traveling to FL for spring break but are too scared to be in the classroom!

    No one can dictate where I travel with my family.

    DEFUND THE NJEA!!!!

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