2021-01-17-BRHS COVID Closure Announcement

Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff: 

This letter is to inform you that over the course of this week, two individuals have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. As per the New Jersey Department of Health Guidance, a school building should be closed for 14 days when two or more cases are identified within a 14-day period that occurs across multiple classrooms and a clear connection between the cases cannot be easily identified. Unfortunately, our most recent cases meet this criterion.

After working with the local and state health department officials to analyze the facts and circumstances of these cases, we have decided that the Bridgewater-Raritan High School will close for in-person instruction, moving to full remote instruction, through January 29, 2021. In addition, all athletic and extracurricular activities are canceled for the same duration.

Extracurricular activities and athletics can resume on Saturday, January 30, 2021 and in-person instruction at the high school will begin again on Monday, February 1, 2021 unless circumstances warrant otherwise.

All other district schools will remain open as normal.

We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents, students, and staff to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) promoted safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms. 

As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation.  You can assist us by remaining vigilant, but sensible, in your approach to dealing with this health concern. We ask that parents rely on the school officials for accurate information about COVID-19.  Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact your child’s building principal. Below are some resources that may be helpful. 
 
RESOURCES

NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public  ​​​​​​​
 
 
Sincerely, 
Dr. Thomas Ficarra
Interim Superintendent of Schools