Hazlet Schools Report 5 New COVID Cases During In-Person Closure

HAZLET, NJ - Five new cases associated with Hazlet Public Schools have been reported amid a districtwide suspension of in-person classes, school officials announced Tuesday.

The latest numbers reflect cases reported since Friday, Dec. 4. All relevant contact tracing has been completed, according to a Dec. 8 update on the district website.

Officials also report that school buildings are still being regularly sanitized and disinfected despite the closure.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Ridley announced the suspension of in-person classes last Tuesday after reportedly receiving notice of six positive cases in four separate schools during a 90 minute period.

"At this point, with [Middle Road School] already teaching virtually and four additional schools … having met the Department of Health protocols for transitioning to virtual learning as well, the indication that the uptick in numbers will continue is significant. Additionally, as staff quarantines increase, we are struggling to cover all classes each day as well," Ridley wrote last week.

Here is the breakdown of cases reported since Friday by school:

• Raritan High School: 2
• Hazlet Middle School: 1
• Beers Street School: 1
• Cove Road School: 1

“Although the district has pivoted to virtual learning, we will continue to monitor and coordinate cases as they evolve,” the message reads.

Aggregate totals for all eight schools in the district are scheduled to be released on Tuesdays and Fridays on the district website.