4th Coronavirus Case Reported At Bridgewater-Raritan High School

Alexis Tarrazi
·2 min read

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A fourth person at Bridgewater-Raritan High School has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus Friday, school officials said. It is unclear if the cases are students, teachers or staff members.

This case brings the district to a total of five positive COVID-19 cases, with the fifth reported at Hillside Intermediate School this past Sunday. Read More: 3 Positive Coronavirus Cases At Bridgewater's Schools

The district announced late Thursday night that the high school switched to an all-virtual learning program, effective Friday, for the next 2 weeks. Read More: Bridgewater High School Goes Virtual After 3rd Coronavirus Case

In addition, all athletic and extracurricular activities are canceled for the next two weeks. All other district schools will remain open as normal on Friday, Oct. 23.

"It is important to note the district is in direct contact with the local health department officials on every incident related to COVID-19, and is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community," said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Ficarra.

All of these cases come just about two weeks after the Bridgewater school district reopened for in-person learning on Oct. 12. It marked the first time in more than six months that students have been inside a classroom. Read More: Bridgewater-Rartian Schools Begin In-Person Hybrid Learning

Ficarra asked parents and students 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 of Friday, Bridgewater had 6 new positive coronavirus cases on Thursday and 0 new cases Friday bringing its total to 596 cases and 67 deaths. The lastest coronavirus-related death in the township was reported on Oct. 4.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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This article originally appeared on the Bridgewater Patch