Chatham COVID Update: High School Goes Remote, Financial Issues

CHATHAM, NJ — Here are the latest coronavirus updates around Chatham.

Cases

The Morris County Health Department has reported 210 coronavirus cases in Chatham Township as of Wednesday afternoon. Township officials most recently reported five new cases over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Township Health Officer Michael Fitzpatrick warned of a potential rise in cases five to 13 days after Thanksgiving.

Chatham Borough reported 15 new cases in its latest update Saturday, bringing the borough to 151 total cases and nine deaths.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Recent Updates

• Chatham High School won't return to in-person schooling until Dec. 16 after officials confirmed seven new cases at the school since Thanksgiving break. MORE.
• Nearly one-fifth of Chatham households were one emergency away from financial ruin before the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new study. United Way of Northern New Jersey released a report Sunday that indicates many New Jerseyans entered the pandemic in vulnerable financial positions. MORE.
• Even though most are focused on the coronavirus, blood donations are as necessary as ever. The annual "Stay Strong Michael" blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Chatham High School cafeteria. MORE.
• When New Jersey faced a shortage of personal protective equipment, Jason Erdrich did what not many would do: brought 15 3-D printers into his home and made it a makeshift factory. Little did the Madison Junior School shop teacher know, his wife and Mazda would reward his efforts. MORE.

Here's what else you should know:

• Gov. Phil Murphy says he's not ready to close school buildings statewide and shift instruction to remote, despite a new report showing that the coronavirus risk is now "high" in all 21 New Jersey counties. MORE.
• New Jersey has released rules and guidance for the winter holidays and celebrations — and even strong advice for children sitting on Santa's lap. MORE.
• Murphy plans to avoid a statewide coronavirus shutdown similar to the one he ordered last spring. But he hasn't left it off the table. MORE.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to josh.bakan@patch.com.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter . You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store. You can also follow the Chatham Patch Facebook page.