NJ Sees 'Spike' In School Outbreaks Ahead Of Christmas Holiday

NEW JERSEY — Just days before New Jersey families gather for the upcoming Christmas holiday, schools statewide are seeing a spike in COVID-19 outbreaks.

"Rates of infection are certainly climbing as they are across the population," said Gov. Phil Murphy during a news conference on Monday.

From Dec. 6 to Dec. 12, 47 new COVID school outbreaks were reported in New Jersey impacting 231 students and 42 staff members across 110 municipalities, said Murphy.

This is an increase of 16 outbreaks, 86 student cases and 14 staff cases from the previous week.

To qualify as a COVID-19 outbreak in a school there have to be three cases connected and not from the same household.

In total New Jersey has reported 248 COVID school outbreaks with 1,159 students and 191 staff members impacted since the beginning of the school year.

The rate of infection among students and staff in New Jersey schools are also increasing. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, the rate is 4.56 per 1,000 students and 5.79 per 1,000 staff members. This is up from the previous week with a rate of 2.66 for students and 4.41 for staff.

Cases of in-school transmission do remain somewhat rare thanks in large part to the layered approach to student and staff safety that we’ve implemented along with our education communities. pic.twitter.com/G7SHA1DHjH
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 20, 2021

To put the numbers in perspective, Murphy said "with roughly 3,500 school districts statewide these cases do remain somewhat rare thanks in large part to the layered approach to students, staff safety we have implemented in our educational communities."

Due to the spike in cases, some schools are opting to close or switch to virtual.

Some schools in Sussex, Union, Middlesex, and Essex Counties shifted to virtual learning as COVID-19 case numbers in New Jersey schools spike. Hundreds of students in Newark schools have shifted to remote learning as well, Patch News Partner Chalkbeat Newark reports.

Others have taken alternative routes, like in the School District of the Chathams and Millburn, where all schools are operating on an early dismissal schedule this week.

Even one higher education institution is pivoting their plans. The College of New Jersey, based in Ewing, Mercer County will be remote for the upcoming winter session in January due to COVID-19. Read More: New Jersey College Goes Remote For Winter Session Due To COVID

With an increase in school cases, state officials continue to push the importance of vaccinations and boosters.

"Let's spread cheer, not COVID," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. "Lets get vaccinated and boostered to protect ourselves, our family, friends, and our children."

To find a vaccine location, click here.

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