'Uptick' In COVID Cases At Hillsborough Schools, Prompt Mask Discussion

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough schools are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases causing district officials to issue warnings to prevent the need for mandated universal masking.

The uptick is being seen in Hillsborough and across the country prompting Somerset County Superintendents to be on alert, according to Hillsborough Acting Superintendent Dr. Kim Feltre.

Feltre said even the local health department has reached out to the district about numbers in some of their classrooms.

From May 7 through May 9, Hillsborough Township Schools have reported 45 new cases. There have been 165 cases reported so far in May. The district reported 198 cases in total for the month of April and 71 total cases for the month of March.

When the COVID-19 level of community transmission is high or orange, the New Jersey Department of Education "strongly encourages school districts to consider universal masking for all students and staff," said Feltre during the Monday Board of Education meeting.

"While we are in the moderate level of community transmission — which is yellow — if multiple positive COVID-19 cases are identified in the same classroom we will be advising parents that they may want to have their children wear masks in school."

If the district's rate of transmission continues to elevate or reach a high or very high level, Feltre said the district will reach out to the Hillsborough Health Department to discuss whether or not to require short term universal masking or masking in the affected classrooms to control the outbreak or the increase in cases.

"I am asking that we all remain vigilant in screening for COVID-like symptoms and to stay home if sick to prevent transmission or an outbreak in schools and the need to return to universal masking," said Feltre.

To see a breakdown of the number of cases in the district click here.

Hillsborough Township Schools recently shifted to a mask optional policy effective March 7. Read More: Masks Will Be Optional At Hillsborough Schools Beginning March 7

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