Montclair Health Dept. Confirms COVID-19 Case At Verona School

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A person at Forest Avenue School in Verona has tested positive for the coronavirus, Montclair health officials confirmed.

On Wednesday, the Verona Public School District announced that the Montclair Health Department has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 at Forest Avenue School.

Verona school administrators said:

“The Montclair Health Department is in the process of notifying any individual who is identified as being a close contact with the positive individual to self-quarantine and monitor symptoms as a precaution as per the health department guidance. The school district is working closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to ensure the health and safety of our community.”

School officials continued:

“All exposed areas in our school have been disinfected and all schools are disinfected on a daily basis. The district continues to work in consultation with the local health department on this matter and they have reported that there is no need to close school. The Montclair Health Department has advised the district that no additional action is necessary at this time … We appreciate the support and cooperation of our community as we continue to navigate this public health situation. Please continue to follow all health and safety guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

Verona school officials advised community members to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safeguards, such as:

• Staying home when you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Covering coughs and sneezes while properly disposing of tissues
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils
• Maintaining a minimum of 6 feet social distancing
• Wearing an CDC recommended face covering while in school
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms

Verona school officials added:

“A reminder that if you are being tested for COVID, remain home while awaiting your test results whether or not you are showing symptoms to avoid potentially infecting other people. It is important to note that individuals cannot test out of the quarantine time period. A negative COVID test result means that you are negative at the time of the test but you can still test positive later on during the quarantine period. If you are a close contact of a positive COVID individual then you will be contacted by the department of health regarding quarantine requirements.”

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