Hillsborough Schools To Close Early Friday For Coronavirus Prep

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Schools will once again close early on Friday to prepare for any potential future impact of the new coronavirus.

"I apologize for the late notice and understand the impact a change in the school calendar has on our families and community overall. Please know that these decisions are made with great thought and discussion about what is best for our students and staff," Hillsborough Acting Superintendent Dr. Lisa Antunes said in a letter to parents Thursday night.

The schools will have a half day on Friday. PM preschool and kindergarten programs will continue but lunches will not be served.

"The situation across the county and state regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly developing and changing. We continue to do our best to communicate as quickly as possible. I appreciate your patience and understanding during this pandemic as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)," Antunes said.

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Warren Township, Watchung, Green Brook, Watchung Hills Regional, and Bridgewater-Raritan Regional also made announcements on Thursday to close schools and implement distance learning. Bridgewater will close for two weeks while the others will close through April 13. (See Related: Warren Schools To Close Through April 12, Start Alternate Plan; Bridgewater Schools To Close For 2 Weeks, Start Alternate Plan)

The school closure announcements follow an update on Thursday that a Bridgewater resident was among six new presumptive positive cases of the coronavirus, state officials announced. This would be the first case in Somerset County. (See Related: Bridgewater Man Could Be 1st Somerset County Coronavirus Case)

The six new cases bring the total number of cases statewide to 29 who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in New Jersey as of 2:3o p.m. and health officials say the virus may be "community-spread" in the state. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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