COVID Cases Cause Bridgewater High School To Revert To Virtual

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Once again, all students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School switched to virtual learning for the next two weeks after two positive coronavirus cases were reported, school officials said.

The high school closed to in-person instruction on Monday and will remain virtual through Jan. 29. In addition, all athletic and extracurricular activities are canceled for the same duration, according to Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Ficarra.

The high school has reported a total of 79 COVID-19 cases since reopening for in-person learning on Oct. 12.

Extracurricular activities and athletics will resume on Saturday, Jan. 30 while in-person instruction at the high school will begin again on Monday, Feb. 1, unless circumstances warrant otherwise.

All other district schools will remain open as normal.

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 - 12
• Bradley Gardens - 2
• Crim - 8
• Hamilton - 5
• Kennedy - 6
• Milltown - 6
• Van Holten - 3
• Hillside - 9
• Eisenhower - 16
• Middle School - 26
• High School - 79
• District Support Staff - 11

Ficarra is encouraging parents, students, and staff to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.