Looking To 2021 In Montclair: Coronavirus, Schools, Business

MONTCLAIR, NJ — 2020 was a year of tragedy, triumph and unpredictability. But all things must end and yield to new beginnings.

Here are three things to ponder as Montclair moves forward into 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINES: WILL PEOPLE GET THEM?

In December, the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines began in Essex County. And while the general public isn't eligible to get the first of the two necessary shots yet, there are a range of frontline health care workers who can – and have already gotten theirs.

Montclair residents who qualify will be able to get vaccinated at the Essex County site in West Orange, located at the former Kmart building, 235 Prospect Avenue. Montclair residents may also eventually be able to get their shots at one of the COVID-19 vaccination sites planned to pop up across the state soon – including at Federally Qualified Health Centers, local ShopRite locations or doctor's offices.

• COVID-19 Vaccines Begin In Essex County (What You Need To Know)
• Mountainside Hospital Vaccinates First Round Of Health Workers

But when vaccines become available to the general public, it remains to be seen whether Montclair will achieve the 70 percent vaccination rate that state officials are hoping for within six months.

In November, Rutgers-Eagleton researchers released the results of a poll that tried to get a bead on the Garden State's current feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Between 36 percent and 47 percent of respondents said they "probably" or "definitely" won't get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• 2 In 5 NJ Residents Say They Won't Take Coronavirus Vaccine (Poll)

A recent informal Patch survey showed that 54 percent of New Jersey readers said they would get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. About a quarter — 26.2 percent — said they intend to take a coronavirus vaccine once approved but only after it's been in use long enough to ensure it's safe and effective. Meanwhile, 16.5 percent don't intend to get a vaccine, and 3.3 percent weren’t sure.

• Most In NJ Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine, But Some Skeptical (Survey)

BUSINESSES: WILL THEY RECOVER?

Across Montclair and Essex County, local businesses – both large and small – were tested in ways they never expected last year. Not all survived.

• COVID-19 Causes Bittersweet End For Montclair Dessert Restaurant
• Montclair's Watchung Deli Closes After 94 Years

Some business owners have clashed with state regulations, curfews and restrictions. Others have reported that they're on the brink of collapse.

• Montclair Restaurant Owner Defies Gov. Murphy's Orders Again
• Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Essex County: 'Let Us Reopen'
• Montclair Business Owner Tries To Survive COVID: 'I'm Holding On'
• 'Cost Of Despair' Weighs On Montclair Bars, Restaurants In COVID

But others found a pathway forward, adapting to weather the crisis the best they can. Some even found ways to thrive.

• Montclair Restaurant Owner Takes Gutsy Leap, Expands Amid COVID
• 5 Montclair Restaurants, Bars Team Up To Host Dinner Event
• Oktoberfest In Montclair: Brewery To Host Outdoor Beer Garden

SCHOOLS: WILL THEY BE REMOTE OR IN-PERSON?

Throughout Montclair and Essex County, local school districts had a tough call to make in 2020: go remote or stay in-person?

Constantly changing state regulations – and school districts’ attempts to find their own pathways forward – were a hallmark of 2020. Will there be another year of uncertainty in Montclair, or will its schools find more secure footing?

Here are some of the storylines that are expected to continue in 2021.

Montclair Schools Will Stay Remote Until After Holidays

Here's the new timeline for a return to hybrid learning in Montclair's public schools.

Montclair And Nutley Parents Protest, Demand Schools Reopen

Dozens of people rallied in Montclair and Nutley to demand that schools reopen for in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Teachers Union Worried As Montclair Schools Prepare To Reopen

Montclair's superintendent said the district had its hybrid plan ready to roll when "the time is safe."

Montclair School Video Shows 'Hybrid' Classroom From The Inside

A video shows the tricky task Montclair educators will face when they try to teach students in-person and remotely – at the same time.

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