Manchester Schools Reduce Sports Attendance Amid COVID Surge

MANCHESTER, NJ — Starting immediately, Manchester Township High School is limiting how many spectators will be allowed at high school sporting events, because of the surge in coronavirus cases.

Until further notice, there will be just two family members permitted to attend per athlete, the district said. That limitation applies to both Manchester Township students and members of opposing teams, the notice said.

Everyone will be required to wear a mask at all times — which has been a requirement from the state Department of Education in school buildings all year — and spectators will practice social distancing, the district said.

All home events will be livestreamed on the district's YouTube channel.

"Many of the schools we will visit are also implementing changes," district officials said. "We will communicate restrictions in each location as we approach those dates on the schedule."

"Our primary goal is to keep all kids in school and play as many scheduled dates as possible. Thank you in advance for your anticipated support and cooperation," the notice said.

Since Dec. 23, Ocean County has had 9,054 new positive cases of the virus, including 576 in Manchester residents. There have been 22 deaths in Ocean County from complications of the virus in that time, though none of those were among Manchester residents.

The surge in cases has led the township to reinstate its mask requirementin the town's buildings as well.

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