BERKELEY – The Berkeley Township Elementary School was closed to students on October 15 and 16 due to COVID-19 cases, officials said.
Earlier, there had be a single case reported, but the closure was based on additional cases. The decision was made while working with the Ocean County Department of Health, Superintendent James Roselli said.
Students will have virtual learning during these days. The district has the option of virtual or a hybrid model for students.
“This temporary closure will allow us to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation impacting the school and perform contact tracing,” Roselli said.
While the school is empty of students, it will be deep cleaned, he said.
“The health and safety of our students, staff and community are of the utmost importance,” he said. “The school is also taking precautions to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily. The status of this situation is fluid, and we are monitoring it closely.”
Anyone who has already been in close contact with the individuals who tested positive have already been notified, Roselli said.
Additionally, Bayville Elementary also had positive cases. The district notified parents that they would be performing a deep cleaning of the entire school, and that those in close contact with the individuals were notified.
Meanwhile, school officials urge families to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.
Earlier this school year, there was a case of coronavirus in the Central Regional School District. It was not revealed which building it was in.
“Contact tracing was completed and all notifications sent to the people that meet the CDC requirements for possible contamination,” Superintendent Triantafillos Parlapanides said.
The buildings have had increased cleaning protocols since the beginning of the school year and additional efforts were made after the positive case.
“Both schools and buses have cameras which makes contact tracing easier because you are on camera,” he said.
With the fall break coming up, he hopes that families are not traveling to states on the quarantine list and that they make good decisions.
