Morris School District Could Share Updated COVID Plans Next Week

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morris School District officials shared reasons for optimism and caution as they navigate the coronavirus pandemic. But they expect to share plans for the fourth marking period next week.

The district received more than 2,800 responses to its survey last week on in-person and virtual learning for the fourth marking period, which begins April 19.

Officials noted some reasons for optimism in terms of efforts to fully reopen schools. Gov. Phil Murphy announced last week that teachers could begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations starting March 15. The state has also seen downward trends in cases and hospitalizations, which could continue with warming weather and increased vaccinations.

But officials also warned in the Friday letter of unpredictable circumstances that could affect reopening. Read the full note here.

"With increased spread of coronavirus variants and the upcoming holidays and spring breaks, there is a potential for a 'fourth wave,'" officials said. "We should be prepared for rapidly changing information that may impact district decisions and actions."

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Officials noted that last week, the region de-escalated to the "yellow" category representing "moderate" coronavirus risk. But the New Jersey Department of Health updated the area's status Thursday to "orange," indicating high risk.

The Morris School District also saw an increase in cases last week, including 11 in Morristown High School alone. The cases didn't impact anyone else in the school building and didn't cause additional closures.

Murphy says New Jersey should expect all schools to reopen in the fall as vaccine availability continues to expand. But many school districts must determine how they'll navigate the rest of the school year.

The New Jersey Department of Health has logged 2,453,289 vaccine doses administered as of Monday morning, which includes 833,532 people who have received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The Garden State set a goal for 70 percent of adults to become inoculated within six months. That would mean 4.7 million people getting fully vaccinated by mid-June. Read more: NJ Lagging Behind In Vaccine Goal: See Latest Data

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