Most Hillsborough School Sports To Resume After Coronavirus Cases

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Most of Hillsborough's school sports can now resume after being shut down due to possible positive coronavirus cases.

Only the high school boys' cross country program remains suspended until the nurse's office and Department Of Health (DOH) are able to complete the necessary contact tracing, Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Antunes said in a letter to parents on Thursday.

Multiple sports programs at Hillsborough High School and one at Hillsborough Middle School were shut down after Mayor Doug Tomson issued a health advisory last Friday. Read More: Hillsborough Schools Stop Sports For 2 Weeks Due To COVID Cases

The advisory was prompted after several possible positive cases were reported. The initial case was traced back to DC Gymnastics at 3 Jill Ct., Tomson said. Read More: Possible Coronavirus Cases Linked To Hillsborough Gym: Officials

The sports programs had initially been recommended to be suspended by the DOH for 14 days and quarantine those students who were of concern to allow ample time to contact trace.

"However, we are pleased to share that upon completion of additional contact tracing by our nursing department and the DOH, and based upon the findings, it was determined that, as of today, there is no risk of COVID-19 exposure resulting in the resumption of all other programs at Hillsborough High School and Hillsborough Middle School," Antunes said.

With most school sports resuming, Antunes notes several social distancing protocols will remain in place including:

• Requiring athletes to wear face coverings when not participating in cardiovascular endurance activities,
• Completing the daily COVID-19 questionnaire form prior to practice, and
• Temperature checks by the staff as athletes arrive
• Use of locker rooms is not permitted, per guidelines from the NJSIAA. Athletes must arrive on the field or bus ready to go. Portable bathrooms will be available around campus.

Additionally, the district has limited the number of athletes on a bus from 54 to about 20 to ensure social distancing. Students who do not want to ride the bus can fill out a transportation waiver.

The school district still plans to reopen for in-person, hybrid learning on Tuesday, Sept. 29. However, Antunes asked students who may be symptomatic or need to quarantine to stay home.

Students coming to school are asked to bring a water bottle as water fountains will be closed. Water bottle filling stations will remain open.

"It is really important for everybody to take personal responsibility, wear a mask, and if you do come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID," said BOE President Dr. Lorraine Soisson. "Please ensure you are truthful and you are doing everything you can to ensure the safety of our community."

• Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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