Metuchen Quarantines 36 Student-Athletes, Cancels Football Game

METUCHEN, NJ — Metuchen School District on Monday asked 36 high school student-athletes to quarantine after they attended an indoor gathering with no social distancing or masks, school Superintendent Vincent Caputo told Patch.

“I required that all three dozen students move to the remote learning option for the next 14 days, or until there is no indication they have been exposed to the virus. I did this out of an abundance of caution,” Caputo said.

With the athletes in quarantine, the school district’s upcoming football game on Saturday against Middlesex has been cancelled.

“I informed Middlesex about our decision immediately. We just don’t have the required players. Also, there are a lot of players involved and I didn’t want to put anyone at risk,” he said.

Caputo said the decision to cancel the game came from the athletics supervisor.

So far none of the students have shown any indication of being COVID positive, he said.

The school district shifted from all-remote to hybrid learning earlier this month. Caputo said he took the call to mainly protect other students and teachers.

“I just want to make sure we protect other students and staff. The student-athlete's parents and guardians have the option to get themselves tested too,” said Caputo.

On Sunday morning, borough officials informed Caputo that 36 students-athletes had attended an indoor gathering on Saturday, where they did not follow social distancing rules or wear masks.

Caputo told Patch that any student who tests negative twice over an eight-day period will be permitted to return to school and extracurricular activities.

Next Monday's game against Middlesex is on schedule with the district's Junior Varsity students-athletes participating, he said.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, school officials informed parents and guardians that an office staff member at Metuchen High School has tested positive for COVID-19. All close contacts were notified and sent home. The district said they were working with the county health department and all cleaning protocols were being followed.

Metuchen High School remains open.

This story will be updated with more information.

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