As you are aware, the majority of COVID19 quarantines and all of our school closures have been due to the Bergen County Department of Health’s broad interpretation of “possible exposure” that did not follow the guidelines of the CDC and the NJDOH regarding close contact.
While understanding and appreciating the BCDOH’s stance of taking “an abundance of caution,” our schools have been closed many times this year due to a lack of staff caused by quarantines of teachers who were never considered “close contacts” by NJDOH and CDC guidelines. Additionally, hundreds of students, who were also not considered “close contacts,” had to self-quarantine.
Today, I’m very happy to share with you that the BCDOH has notified the Rutherford Board of Health, who in turn notified the District, that this practice will no longer be in effect. This means that the BCDOH’s recommendations will now fully align with the NJDOH and the CDC’s definition of a “close contact.” There will be very few, if any, quarantines should we have a positive case, since our students and staff wear masks and stay six feet apart. The nurse and administrators will investigate each case as they have always done to determine if anyone needs to quarantine. We will still consult with the BOH who will assist us in following the NJDOH and CDC rules.
I’d like to thank our Board of Education, our local Board of Health, the administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students, for their support and cooperation this school year.
Please contact your school principal if you have any questions.
Have a great spring break!
Jack Hurley, Superintendent