Trenton Diocese Closes Schools Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Schools, religious education programs and the Chancery in the Diocese of Trenton will be closed from March 16-27 due to concerns about the spread of new coronavirus, the diocese announced.

During the closure, schools will enact a remote learning plan, Bishop David M. O’Connell announced. All facilities will be cleaned and disinfected during this time. Read more here: Update On NJ Coronavirus School Closures: Here's The Latest

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The closure will affect more than 14,000 students and nearly 1,500 faculty and staff in 35 catholic schools, and about 42,000 children and 3,200 of their mostly volunteer catcechists in nearly 100 religious education programs.

“Parish efforts are underway to provide home-based learning for these children, particularly those in a sacramental preparation year,” O’Connell said.

Although there are no reported cases of coronavirus among Chancery staff, the Chancery will suspend normal operations in its Lawrenceville site, migrating most of its 85 staff members to a work-from-home status from March 16 to 20.

A return to the office is slated for March 23. The Chancery is in support of limiting large gatherings out of an abundance of caution.

See related: NJ Coronavirus: Trenton Diocese Excuses Parishioners From Service