East Brunswick: Students Had 'Close Contacts' With COVID-19

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Multiple students from several East Brunswick schools were in close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, school officials said Wednesday. The students attended school on Tuesday as part of the hybrid instruction, according to an announcement from the East Brunswick School District.

They, along with their siblings, will now quarantine for next 14 days and participate in schoolwork virtually, said superintendent Victor Valeski.

The students will have to be symptom-free before returning to school buildings.

“According to the Middlesex Department of Health, any potential for COVID-19 transmission is mitigated by the precautions we have in place – wearing masks, six feet of distancing and frequent cleaning,” Valeski said.

East Brunswick in one of the few school districts to adopt the hybrid plan this school year.

In his message to the community, Valeski urged parents and students to immediately notify the school district if anyone from the family has been in contact with a person who tested positive of COVID-19.

Valeski said there were no immediate cause for concern, and asked the community to "assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.”

The district released the following safety precautions for students to follow:

• 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.

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