Barnegat High School Parents Informed Of Confirmed COVID-19 Case

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School officials have notified district parents and staff members of a confirmed case of the coronavirus at the school that became evident on Wednesday.

Principal Patrick Magee informed parents and staff of the positive test in a letter but did not specify whether it involved a student or staff member. In the letter, Magee said that the district is collaborating with the Ocean County Health Department to assure the health and safety of the community.

Due to privacy laws, the identity of the person who tested positive will not be released, Magee wrote, telling parents there is nothing they need to do at this time.

The district is working with local health officials to perform contact tracing and said that any people who have been in contact with the person who tested positive for the virus have been notified. A close contact is someone who was within six feet of a confirmed case of COVID-19 for at least 10 minutes within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms or positive Covid-19 test, Magee wrote.

Enhanced disinfectant cleaning services at the school has already begun, Magee said, who reminded parents and students of guidelines set in place by the Centers For Disease Control and prevention that include washing hands with soap, remaining home if ill, practicing proper social distancing and wearing face-coverings while at school.

"The school is also remaining vigilant in the precautions we take to prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and other germs and is cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily," Magee said in the letter.