Bridgewater High School Reopens 1 Week Early After COVID Closure

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After a change in state guidance, Bridgewater-Raritan High School was able to reopen and return students to in-person instruction one week early.

Students returned on Monday as opposed to waiting until Feb. 1.

The New Jersey Department of Health previously recommended K-12 schools suspend in-person instruction when 2 or more cases are identified within 14 days that occur across multiple classrooms, are not linked to exposures outside the school setting, and a clear connection between cases cannot be easily identified.

The revised state guidance now states "2 or more cases are identified within 14 days that occur across multiple classrooms, are not linked to exposures outside the school setting, and a clear connection between cases cannot be easily identified but in-school transmission is suspected".

Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Ficarra said once the district received the new guidance last week they worked with the local health department officials to re-examine the need to keep the high school closed for in-person instruction.

The high school had closed beginning Jan. 18 due to COVID cases reported. Read More: COVID Cases Cause Bridgewater High School To Revert To Virtual

Ficarra said this past weekend that the high school could reopen on Monday for in-person instruction and extracurricular activities could also resume because in-school transmission is not suspected.

"It is important that everyone understands the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the New Jersey Department of Health guidance. The district will continue to make decisions based on this guidance and only after consultation with our local health department officials," said Ficarra in a letter to the community.

Here is the latest breakdown of the cases listed by school and number of cases since all schools reopened for in-person learning on Oct. 12:

• Adamsville - 13
• Bradley Gardens - 2
• Crim - 10
• Hamilton - 6
• Kennedy - 7
• Milltown - 7
• Van Holten - 3
• Hillside - 10
• Eisenhower - 16
• Middle School - 30
• High School - 83
• District Support Staff - 11

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