Toms River Schools Increase Sanitizing Amid Coronavirus Concerns

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Regional Schools have stepped up sanitizing of surfaces throughout the school district as officials continue to closely monitor developments with the coronavirus.

The district has been been undergoing enhanced sanitizing using Virex disinfectant on high-touch surfaces in each building every day, district officials said in a message posted to the district's website.

The district also is preparing for the possibility that a spread of the virus may require the district to close schools.

"We are working with our (school) board, administrators and technology department to plan for the continuation of instruction for our students should such a situation occur," the notice said. The district has had a plan for virtual school days and has asked parents to be in touch with school principals to make sure students will have the ability to participate through computer classes or otherwise take part in lessons.

There have been no cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in Ocean County as of Monday evening, but health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus in the state. Two cases have been identified in neighboring Monmouth County, and 11 identified across the state.

On Monday evening, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, allowing state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from COVID-19 cases. Read more: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The district also is reiterating recommendations about ways to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses.

• Wash hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve, not your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep your children home when they are sick. Children should not return to school unless they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours
• Avoid people who are sick
• Get a flu shot – it's not too late to be protected
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects
• Encourage a “do not share” rule this season: food, drink, lip balm, pencils etc.

The Department of Health recommends that all families with a child who (within the past two weeks) has traveled to an area of the world highly impacted by the coronavirus, to please contact their child's principal and/or school nurse prior to sending their child back to school. The Toms River Regional district and school nurses will work with these families to determine the appropriate timeline for re-entry to school.

Following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the district developed an emergency plan for continuation of learning on a limited basis. Here's how it could work:

State officials said that in the event a school board is provided a written directive by either the state health department or the local health officer to institute a public health-related closure, the district may use home instruction for enrolled students, and those days will count toward the 180-day minimum.

The district’s plan for virtual school days is as follows:

1. The superintendent receives a directive from health officials and/or the NJ Department of Education to close schools
2. Families are notified of school closing(s) and whether a virtual school day will be implemented
3. In the event of a virtual school day, students will access class content as follows:
   1. Elementary students: parents will be notified of instruction on a grade by grade basis
   2. Intermediate and High School students: Google Classroom, Remind app
   3. Students/families who previously responded as to potential internet connectivity issues have been provided print packets and may connect via cell phone
4. Following their normal sequence of classes using special shortened time frames TBA, students will connect with teachers and classmates and engage in learning activities from home.
   1. Attendance will be taken online
   2. Participation will be assessed
   3. Work products will be collected

Students who satisfactorily participate and provide acceptable work products will not have the day count as an absence. Students who do not check in or participate will be marked absent.

Families who anticipate connectivity problems in advance of possible extended school closings, are urged to contact the school principal is aware so she/he can arrange for extra support.

Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Toms River Patch on Facebook.