Third COVID-19 Case At Raritan HS Prompts 2-Week School Closure

HAZLET, NJ - A third positive COVID-19 case in two weeks at Raritan High School in Hazlet has prompted a transition to all-remote instruction for students until Nov. 9.

In a Monday afternoon email to parents, district officials confirmed that the latest case will shutter the campus for a two-week period. Students at the high school will begin remote instruction on Oct. 27.

The latest case is unrelated to the two cases reported last week, according to the email. Read more: Raritan High School Reports 2 Positive COVID-19 Cases

“A third Covid case at RHS, in addition to the two reported last week, have compelled us to close the high school, effective immediately, and to transition tonight's Board meeting to virtual,” the district wrote.

This decision was reportedly made in consultation between district administration and school nurses, as well as conversations with the state epidemiologist, the Monmouth County Chief Health Officer and “other key individuals” at the Monmouth County Board of Health.

All contacts affected by any of the cases have been informed. Athletics and extracurricular activities will continue outdoors as scheduled as the cases “did not originate at these events and the Monmouth County Board of Health has indicated that this is permissible.”

“During the school’s closure, we will increase our cleaning and disinfecting in the building to ensure a safe environment upon our return, particularly next week when schools are closed,” the message continues.

Individual requests and inquiries can be directed to Dr. Andrew R. Piotrowski or the school nurse, Susan Marinelli.

On Monday, district officials announced that one individual associated with Raritan Valley Elementary School also tested positive for COVID-19. Read more: Raritan Valley School Reports 1 Positive COVID-19 Case

Last weekend, a contractor associated with Lillian Drive School also tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier this month, two cases at Raritan Valley Elementary School shuttered the school for two weeks. Students followed a remote schedule from Oct. 5 through Oct. 16. Read more: 2 COVID-19 Cases Shut Down In-Person Classes At Hazlet School

District families are encouraged to continue following recommended safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart)
• Wearing a face covering while in school
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms

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