Black Horse Pike Super Urges Families To Limit Spring Break Trips

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Black Horse Pike Regional School District Superintendent Brian Repici is asking families not to travel outside the immediate four-state area for spring break amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“It has come to our attention that some families or individuals have travel plans over the upcoming spring break,” Repici said in a message on the district website. “While we recognize the need to ‘take a break,’ we discourage travel outside of the approved states of NY, PA, CT, and DE. Some travel may be unavoidable; however, in the interests of everyone's safety and in accordance with New Jersey Travel Advisories, please adhere to the guidelines outlined by the New Jersey Department of Health, as doing otherwise can impact the safety of other students and staff members.”

The warning comes as the number of coronavirus cases continues to drop and vaccines become more available in New Jersey. As of Monday, there have been 4,805 cases of the coronavirus in Gloucester Township since the pandemic began. There have been 40,134 cases and 1,079 deaths in Camden County in the year since the pandemic came to the area.

“This weekend marked one year since the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Camden County, thereby kicking off a global crisis unlike anything most of us had experienced in our lifetimes,” Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “Fortunately, we can confidently say that we are in a better place today than we have been since March 6, 2020. New cases and deaths have dropped significantly since January, and the rate of vaccinations is increasing every day. While we may not be able to return to normal quite yet, we are finally making meaningful progress towards that end.”

Officials have repeatedly warned that doesn’t mean residents should relax, though. This includes travel, and Repici has reminded residents to consider getting a viral test between 3 and 5 days after they return.

“Travelers and residents returning from any US state or territory beyond the immediate region (NY, PA, CT, or DE) should quarantine at their home or lodging for a full seven days,” Repici said. “If the test is positive or no test was available, then travelers would have to quarantine for at least 10 days after travel.”

The school district is exploring options for expanded in-person learning, including the possibility of students returning to the classroom five full days a week, four half days, five half days and four full days. Read more here: Black Horse Pike Schools Explore More In-Person Learning Options