High COVID Vaccination Rate In Bridgewater Kids Is Keeping Cases Down: Superintendent

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater's high COVID-19 vaccination rate among those 12 years and older is credited for keeping positive cases down in the school district, said Superintendent Robert Beers.

As of Tuesday, Beers reported 55 people quarantining throughout the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, 9 positive cases, 38 close contacts, and 8 symptomatic cases.

"When really we look at this from a macro perspective Bridgewater is doing a lot better than some surrounding towns or other towns throughout the state simply because of our high vaccination rate," said Beers during the Tuesday night Board of Education meeting.

As of Monday, there were 219 positive coronavirus cases linked to 38 school outbreaks, said Gov. Phil Murphy during the Wednesday news conference. Read More: 219 COVID Cases, 38 Outbreaks In New Jersey Schools

Of the 219 cases, 37 are staff cases and 182 are student cases spread across 38 communities in 16 New Jersey counties, said Murphy.

Bridgewater has not reported any outbreaks this school year. And according to the New Jersey Department of Health, 83 percent of those 12 years and older are fully vaccinated and 90 percent have received at least the first dose in Bridgewater.

"We get statistics from the county and the state every week and Bridgewater maintains as one of the highest both in the county and state," said Beers.

A lot of parents worried about sending their children to school without vaccinations have already been reaching out to Beers and the school district. However, he feels there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

This high vaccination rate "is really going to help us mitigate this situation as we go forward. Look there, is positive news on the horizon," said Beers.

Somerset County offers the COVID-19 vaccine every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 876 E Main Street, Bridgewater. The Pfizer vaccine is available for Somerset County residents 12 and older. And the Moderna vaccine for those over 18 years old. Third doses are also available for the immunocompromised only.

For more information or to find a vaccine location in Somerset County click here.

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