TOMS RIVER – Despite enforcing a mask mandate, about 900 students and staff in the Toms River Regional School District are currently quarantined for possible COVID-19 exposure.
According to the school’s website, there are 791 students and 26 staff who are in quarantine. In addition, the school has reported a total of 244 confirmed cases of COIVD-19.
On September 30, Superintendent Dr. Stephen Genco published a letter speaking out against the rumors posted online saying there’s a COIVD-19 “outbreak” in the district.
“You’ve surely heard much about our school district in the news and online over the past several days regarding our quarantine numbers and positive COVID cases,” Genco said in a statement. “In any case, I felt it necessary to reach out and assure our school community that, contrary to what you may have heard, there is no COVID-19 ‘outbreak’ in our district.”
A statement was put out the day before saying how many online sources “falsely reported that more than 1,100 district students were in quarantine.” It explained that the numbers are cumulative, and anyone can view the correct information right on the school’s website, trschools.com/community/tr-safe-return.
As for the sources saying the numbers are due to the “optional mask” rule the district had at the beginning of the year, Genco said this information is “misleading and unfounded.”
“For eight school days to begin the year, TRRS exercised the “excessive heat” exemption in Executive Order 251, but masks were only optional in buildings and spaces which did not have air conditioning. Since September 20, the wearing of masks in all spaces has been required throughout the district, as per EO 251,” the statement said.
At this time, the district as no plan to transition into virtual learning at any school or classroom. “We’re doing everything required of us, and then some, to protect our students and staff, and quite frankly, I’m extremely proud of the job we’re doing. I’m equally proud of, and grateful for, the parents who came forward to commend our district and everything we’re doing to keep their children safe and in school. Thank you,” Genco said.
