Dear Frenchtown Families,
Please be advised that Hunterdon County has now moved to the High Risk category in the Regional COVID-19 Risk Levels. As of this writing, we plan on remaining open for in-person learning. I would caution everyone that this could change abruptly should the need arise. Again,we are not looking to create panic; we are seeking to inform and advise so that we are prepared for a rapid and possibly extended closure. Please be prepared by bringing your devices, instructional resources, and needed personal belongings home with you each evening.
Again, you can help us remain open for in-person instruction by staying home when ill, frequently washing your hands, practicing social distancing and wearing your mask.
The NJ Department of Health Protocols for High Risk Regions:
In accordance with the Risk Matrix developed by the NJ DOH, the following is recommended for High Risk regions:
- Consider implementing fully remote learning.
- If schools remain open for in-person learning:
- In response to staff or a student who is COVID-19 positive or who has COVID-19 compatible symptoms (not yet tested), follow COVID-19 exclusion criteria; work with the local health department to identify and exclude close contacts according to CDC guidance; refer to guidance on cleaning and disinfection. * Decisions on when ill person’s close contacts can return to school are dependent on the ill person’s medical evaluation and COVID-19 test results.
- Restrict activities that involve interaction with multiple cohorts.
In addition, we will continue to:
- Require staff and students to stay home when sick or if they have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. Parents/guardians, students and staff should notify school administrators of illness and known exposure.
- Have a policy for daily symptom screening for students and staff; have plans for students and staff to report symptoms that develop during the day.
- In conjunction with the local health department, identify COVID-19 rapid testing resources (viral testing) for when staff and students develop COVID-19 compatible symptoms.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily.
- Ensure adequate hand hygiene supplies are readily available.
- Implement physical distancing measures (e.g., reducing occupancy (staggered schedules, use of alternate spaces), installation of partitions/physical barriers, cancelling large gatherings/events, maintaining defined cohorts).
- Implement source control through wearing face coverings.
- Keep abreast of NJDOE and NJDOH COVID-19 guidance and surveillance indicators.
The entire 9/8/2020 New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools is available on our School Reopening Website.
Stay well!
Daria Wasserbach |
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