Looking To 2021 In West Orange: Coronavirus, Schools, Business

WEST ORANGE, NJ — 2020 was a year of tragedy, triumph and unpredictability. But all things must end and yield to new beginnings.

Here are three things to ponder as West Orange moves forward into 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINES: WILL PEOPLE GET THEM?

In December, the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines began in Essex County. And while the general public isn't eligible to get the first of the two necessary shots yet, there are a range of frontline health care workers who can – and have already gotten theirs.

West Orange residents who qualify will be able to get vaccinated at the former Kmart building, 235 Prospect Avenue. West Orange residents may also eventually be able to get their shots at one of the COVID-19 vaccination sites planned to pop up across the state soon – including at Federally Qualified Health Centers, local ShopRite locations or doctor's offices.

• COVID-19 Vaccines Begin In Essex County (What You Need To Know)

But when vaccines become available to the general public, it remains to be seen whether West Orange will achieve the 70 percent vaccination rate that state officials are hoping for within six months.

In November, Rutgers-Eagleton researchers released the results of a poll that tried to get a bead on the Garden State's current feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Between 36 percent and 47 percent of respondents said they "probably" or "definitely" won't get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• 2 In 5 NJ Residents Say They Won't Take Coronavirus Vaccine (Poll)

A recent informal Patch survey showed that 54 percent of New Jersey readers said they would get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. About a quarter — 26.2 percent — said they intend to take a coronavirus vaccine once approved but only after it's been in use long enough to ensure it's safe and effective. Meanwhile, 16.5 percent don't intend to get a vaccine, and 3.3 percent weren’t sure.

• Most In NJ Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine, But Some Skeptical (Survey)

BUSINESSES: WILL THEY RECOVER?

Across West Orange and Essex County, local businesses – both large and small – were tested in ways they never expected last year. Not all survived.

• West Orange Family 'Full Of Fear,' May Lose Beloved Barber Shop
• Restaurant In Oranges Is Pandemic Victim: 'We Can't Make Plans'
• Popular Essex County Bar Closes With Note: 'The Pandemic Killed Us'
• Steaks, Pretzels, Music: COVID Shutdown Ravages Essex County Businesses

Some business owners have clashed with state regulations, curfews and restrictions. Others have reported that they're on the brink of collapse.

• Essex County Restaurant Owner Defies Gov. Murphy's Orders Again
• Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Essex County: 'Let Us Reopen'

But others found a pathway forward, adapting to weather the crisis the best they can. Some even found ways to thrive.

• West Orange Salons, Barbershops Reopen After COVID Shutdown
• West Orange Welcomes 2 New Businesses With COVID-Safe Ceremony
• Black-Owned Movie Theater In Essex County Thrives Amid Pandemic

SCHOOLS: WILL THEY BE REMOTE OR IN-PERSON?

Throughout West Orange and Essex County, local school districts had a tough call to make in 2020: go remote or stay in-person?

Constantly changing state regulations – and school districts’ attempts to find their own pathways forward – were a hallmark of 2020. Will there be another year of uncertainty in West Orange, or will its schools find more secure footing?

Here are some of the storylines that are expected to continue in 2021.

West Orange Election Results: Here's Who Won Council, BOE Seats

The races were close for West Orange Town Council and the Board of Education in 2020. See certified results here.

West Orange Schools Hit Brakes On Reopen Plan: Coronavirus Update

The West Orange Public School District postponed its plan to roll out a "hybrid" learning model.

West Orange Schools See More COVID-19 Cases; Transportation Down

The West Orange Public School District has seen more cases of the coronavirus among its staff and students, officials reported.

West Orange Middle School Students Get Head Start On Unique Year

It's hard enough moving up to high school. For 525 middle school students in West Orange, it will happen amid the coronavirus crisis.

Gov. Murphy Praises West Orange Schools For Face Mask Campaign

"Leaders Wear Masks." It's a message that struck a chord in West Orange – and with Gov. Phil Murphy.

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