Should NJ Schools Offer Virtual Classes For Some Students As COVID Surges? Take Our Survey

NEW JERSEY — As the number of new coronavirus cases continues to surge in New Jersey, some parents are expressing concerns about sending students back to school on Monday.

The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported there were 20,483 new positive PCR test results. From Dec. 22 through Wednesday, the state has seen 98,652 new positive cases of the virus, as the state monitors both the delta and the omicron variants.

The surge in cases has led to high demand for COVID-19 testing all over the state, making appointments scarce and rapid tests nearly impossible to find. The federal Centers for Disease Control has responded by announcing it will open a mass testing site in New Jersey, though details on where and when it will open have not yet been announced. Read more: CDC To Open Mass COVID Testing Site In New Jersey

There also are increasing concerns that the omicron variant is behind a sharp rise in pediatric hospitalizations. CDC data shows New Jersey averaged two new child COVID patients per day from Nov. 11-17 — before the discovery of the omicron variant. From Dec. 19 to Saturday, the state averaged 11 new pediatric COVID patients each day. Read more: Child COVID Hospitalizations Up In NJ As Omicron Spreads

As schools headed into winter break, some districts announced they would shift to fully remote instruction for part of January, while others said they plan to maintain in-person instruction after the break.

For parents who are uncomfortable with the rise in cases, remote instruction isn't an option in districts that are holding in-person instruction.

No districts have discussed offering a virtual option for some students because Gov. Phil Murphy did not approve that as something districts could offer for the 2021-22 school year, in spite of parents urging him to give it consideration throughout the summer. Read more: Parents Push NJ For Virtual School Option As Delta Variant Surges

Should Murphy revisit that decision? Share your thoughts in our survey.

Note: The survey will close at 10 a.m. Friday, New Year's Eve.