BERGEN COUNTY, N.J.—All 75 public school districts in Bergen County will transition to off-site online distance learning Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m., as officials scramble to control community spread of COVID-19, or the coronavirus, now a worldwide pandemic.
“With the continuing spread of COVID-19 throughout Bergen County, it is imperative that we take action and do everything in our power to protect our 1 million residents,” said County Executive James Tedesco. “This includes, our 75 school districts, which have almost 170,000 children, 16,000 teachers and hundred and hundreds of administrative, custodial and support staff.”
There are 13 confirmed cases in five Bergen County municipalities, including four in Englewood, one in Fort Lee, two in Bergenfield, five in Teaneck and one in Little Ferry (patient deceased).
“If we don’t do this, our numbers will continue to increase and increase. And we have to play offense, we can’t play defense,” said County Health Officer Hansel F. Asmar. “If we don’t mitigate, we’re going to be in serious trouble.”
COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout the United States, reaching 1,215 in 42 states plus the District of Columbia, and 36 have died.
One of the new cases is a child less than 16 years old, showing this can impact young people and all ages, said Freeholder Chairwoman Mary J. Amoroso.
Bergen County-run senior centers have already been closed, with those over 60 considered the most vulnerable to the deadly virus, Tedesco said. And visitation to longterm care nursing facilities has been largely suspended.
This as Gov. Phil Murphy earlier recommended cancellation of all public gatherings of more than 250 individuals.
“Today, [March 12,] based on guidance we have received from the Commissioner of Health, we are recommending the cancellation of all public gatherings throughout New Jersey of more than 250 individuals, including concerts, sporting events, and parades,” said Gov. Murphy. “These measures are being taken as part of our coordinated response to the continued outbreak and to aggressively mitigate the spread of the virus.
“Additionally, for all events, we recommend that everyone practice commonsense hygiene, like washing hands routinely, staying home if you do not feel well, and keeping a six-foot distance from others,” Murphy said.
American society at large is feeling the implications of the new pandemic, with New York City and Bergen County postponing St. Patrick’s Day parades, the National Basketball Association, National Hockey Association, Major League Baseball and the National Collegiate Athletic Association all canceling major events, as well as New York’s iconic Broadway theater district being shuttered for the next month.
Tedesco also encouraged public and private businesses to let employees stay home and use telecommunication to work, while tending to their families.
He also asked all private and religious schools to follow along with this directive, noting the regional Rabbinical Council has already shut schools and banned public gatherings.
“It is vital that we protect our children from the dangers of this virus and the community spread of this virus,” said Tedesco. “Unfortunately, this virus is not going anywhere for the time being.”
Virtual learning, or using computers to connect students with teachers and peers, is now widespread on college campuses and was piloted locally by Pascack Valley Regional High School District, which had attempted to use the practice during years when winter weather had caused an abundance of cancellations.
“We have the technology to do it and our school partners have been working hard to set up preparedness for this home learning,” said Amoroso. “And it’s absolutely the right thing to do.”
For more information on the pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control, or the New Jersey State website.