Mahwah High Reports 5 Coronavirus Cases Prior To In-Person Start

MAHWAH, NJ — Public school officials announced that contact tracing has begun after the district reported five new coronavirus cases among students at Mahwah High School. Several others have been identified as close contacts, the district said.

Though the district is currently on a remote learning model, officials are urging parents, students and staff to practice caution as in-person learning is set to resume Tuesday. Staff will return in-person on Monday for professional development.

If a student tests positive for the coronavirus now, they will be forced to quarantine, and will miss the beginning of in-person learning.

"We are urgently reminding everyone that our time on fully remote learning is designed to

reduce the number of close contacts as a result of holiday activities. It is extremely important
that families adhere to the mitigating measures and encourage students to connect via virtual activities instead of face-to-face get-togethers," wrote interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts, in a letter.

During the remote learning period, the district reported that maintenance and custodial staffers conducted a thorough cleaning and assessment of the school buildings, grounds and buses, according to district officials.