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March 13, 2020
Dear School Communities,
The support from all aspects of the community since announcing our decision to proactively close schools to help limit the spread of COVID-19 is greatly appreciated. The goal of this closure is to allow for social distancing.
The CDC defines social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” Congregate settings are defined as “crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters, stadiums.”
The following message is shared by Kevin Sumner, Health Officer/Director of the Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission:
The Health Officer has been in regular communication with the school districts and is aware of and supports the actions they have taken regarding closing schools to encourage social distancing among its population. We hope this will help to slow the spread of COVID-19. While we understand that these actions may represent a hardship to some of our families, we would encourage you to protect yours by continuing as much as possible to avoid public gatherings. This includes participating in group activities such as camps or other recreational activities with or for your children. Recognizing that the risk to the general public is currently low and that there have been no reported cases in our schools these temporary actions will assist in preventing the continued spread of the disease.
Your cooperation is critical to the health and well-being of all members of all our communities. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Ed Acevedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Long Hill Township
Matthew A. Mingle, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Warren Township
James B. Bigsby, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Green Brook Township
Elizabeth C. Jewett, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Watchung Hills Regional
George P. Alexis
Superintendent, Watchung Borough