Wayne's DePaul Catholic Closed, To Begin Remote Learning

WAYNE, NJ — Without mentioning the coronavirus, DePaul Catholic High School announced a transition to remote learning beginning Thursday.

Though the virus wasn't mentioned by name, an announcement from Principal Russell D. Petrocelli published on the school's official Twitter page said contact tracing has begun "for students and staff members who have been determined to be in 'close contact.'"

Petrocelli did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

In-person classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 9, according to the announcement from Petrocelli.

According to DePaul's COVID-19 reopening plan, shutting down the school isn't the first option.

If a teacher or student tests positive, the school says it will consult with local health officials, and likely require some students to quarantine for 14 days.

However, closing the school was always possible, according to the plan.

"If there are multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our school, we may determine, in consultation with public health officials and the Catholic Schools Office, that it is advisable to temporarily close the building to control further spread of the virus," the plan read.

This comes as schools across the state have moved to remote learning in recent days and weeks, and as the state reports 12 consecutive days of over 1,000 new cases for the first time since May.

"These are difficult times but, working together and with the blessings of God, we will weather this storm and come out stronger and more unified. We thank you for your support and continued prayers," wrote Petrocelli.