Manchester Schools Shift To Remote Learning For Wednesday

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township School District will head into its winter break with a remote instruction day on Wednesday, as concerns continue about increasing cases of the coronavirus among district staff and students.

Superintendent David Trethaway, in a letter to parents announcing the remote instruction, urged parents and staff to be careful and vigilant about the need to limit holiday gatherings over the break because of the continuing spread of the virus.

Manchester has 1,897 positive cases of the coronavirus in the township as of Sunday, up from 1,681 as of Dec. 12, and Ocean County has seen its cases rise 3,133 in that time, from 25,344 to 28,377 as of Sunday.

More than one in four hospital beds in Ocean County was occupied by a COVID-19 patient as of Dec. 11, according to data from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, numbers that are putting stress on local hospitals. Read more: 1 In 4 Ocean County Hospital Beds Occupied By COVID Patients

"In an effort to limit staff and student contact before the holidays and since Wednesday, December 23, is a remote day for most of our students, we will be designating Wednesday, December 23, as a full remote day for all of our students with no in-person instruction," Trethaway said. "The staff will be allowed to provide instruction from their own residence to eliminate any further contacts before the holiday."

The remote instruction affects students who would regularly report to school on Wednesday, and will be a shortened day, he said.

"I realize that this has been an extremely challenging and stressful time and we all will need to adjust our traditions as we won't have the same opportunities to be with our friends and all members of our families," Trethaway said. "While I realize the importance of meeting with family and friends, please be aware of the quarantine protocols and safety precautions as you and your family’s health should be your most important consideration. Please take the necessary steps to remain safe and healthy."

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