47 Active Cases, But No COVID Closures In Morris Schools

MORRISTOWN, NJ — As New Jersey rides another wave of coronavirus infections, the Morris School District hasn't been immune. Officials reported 47 active cases within the school system as of Friday, which represent more than a quarter of the district's cases since September.

Last month, Morristown High School went virtual for 10 days because of an increase in cases within the school. But for now, all Morris schools remain open. Related article: Morristown High Going Virtual Until Nov. 22 Due To COVID Cases

Meanwhile, 129 people within the district are awaiting test results, while 196 are quarantined.

See the district's latest COVID-19 dashboard below:

The update came as state officials moved all of New Jersey, including Morris County, into the "high-risk" category for coronavirus transmission. The high-risk status requires the school district to follow elevated quarantine protocols, including the following:

• 14-day quarantine for those who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.
• 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated individuals who are identified as close contacts.
• vaccinated individuals identified as close contacts don't need to quarantine, but the CDC advises them to take a PCR test five to seven days post-exposure and wear a mask around others for 14 days, or until they get a negative test.

Morris schools will hold a vaccination clinic for ages 12 and older from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Lafayette Learning Center (31 Hazel St., Morristown). Booster shots are also available for anyone 16 and older. See the flyers in English and Spanish.

The pediatric COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 won't be available at the clinic. But several local health providers offer them. Find an appointment on New Jersey's COVID vaccine appointment finder.

It's not clear how much of the district is vaccinated against the virus. But the New Jersey Department of Health said the following completed their first course of COVID vaccinations as of Monday:

• 89 percent of children ages 12-17 in Morristown
• 85 percent of children 12-17 in Morris Township
• 100 percent of children in that age range in Morris Plains

The state health department does not yet have municipal vaccination data for ages 5-11 or for how many people have received booster shots.

Thanks for reading. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Morristown Patch Facebook page.