Around Brick: High School Goes To All-Virtual After COVID-19 Rise

BRICK, NJ — As students and staff in Brick Township return to school following the Thanksgiving holiday, those who attend Brick Township High School will be remaining on fully remote instruction.

Whether that changes as of Dec. 14 — when students are scheduled to return to the high school — could depend heavily on what happens with the coronavirus pandemic and the cases in the area.

Last week, the state announced that all 21 counties had moved into the orange "high risk" category due to the rates of transmission of the coronavirus. As of Sunday, Ocean County had 21,771 cases, up 1,698 from the 20,073 on Nov. 22. Brick Township has 261 new cases in that time, with 2,472, up from 2,211 on Nov. 22, according to the Ocean County Health Department.

Statewide, New Jersey now has more than 334,000 cases since March, including 3,851 new ones on Sunday, according to the state Department of Health COVID-19 website. As of Sunday, 2,877 people were hospitalized due to the coronavirus, with 559 in intensive care and 304 patients on ventilators, according to the state COVID-19 website.

"The decision to place a school population on all-remote learning is not taken lightly, but at this time this is the best decision to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff," Superintendent Thomas Farrell said. Read more: Brick High School Shifts To Remote Instruction Amid COVID Spike

Parents who are seeking coronavirus tests for their children have another option as Rite Aids are testing children ages 13 and up. Read more: Rite Aid Expands Coronavirus Testing To Kids 13 And Older In NJ

Around town

The Board of Education election is headed to a recount, after just two votes separated Jessica Clayton and Michael Blandina. A date has not been set. Read more: Brick School Board Election: Recount Sought Of 2-Vote Margin

Brick's annual Christmas tree lighting has been set for Tuesday, but reservations are required due to the outdoor gathering limit of 150 people in the midst of the pandemic. Read more: Brick Sets Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

The Brick PBA's annual Toys for Tots drive is underway. Learn how you can help. Read more: Brick PBA Seeks Donations For Toys For Tots Drive

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