Camden Diocese Closes Schools Amid Coronavirus Concerns

CAMDEN, NJ — All schools in the Diocese of Camden will be closed temporarily beginning March 16 due to concerns about the spread of new coronavirus, the diocese announced.

The closure is expected to last two weeks, but the diocese will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision about when to re-open, according to Bishop Dennis Sullivan.

During the closure, schools will enact a remote learning plan that will be communicated to parents by teachers and principals, Sullivan said. Remote learning days count toward the 180-day school requirement, and the diocese hopes it will not have to extend the school year. Read more here: Update On NJ Coronavirus School Closures: Here's The Latest

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“I encourage our students and families to follow the directives from the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services as we all work together for the common good, to slow and prevent the spread of the virus,” Sullivan said. “I am well aware that the closure of our schools places an enormous burden on working parents and will be challenging for all our families. While I am deeply saddened, the seriousness of this health crisis is unprecedented and demands the action we are taking.”

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