N.J. school district asks parents to avoid unnecessary travel to fight spread of COVID – NJ.com

An Essex County school district is urging against “unnecessary travel” to lessen the chances of contracting and spreading COVID-19.

Montclair Superintendent Jonathan Ponds declined to explain Thursday whether his request, addressed to families, caregivers and staff, also applies to those who are fully vaccinated.

In his letter last Friday, Ponds reiterated the most recent guidance from the CDC, which recommends holding off on travel until becoming fully vaccinated.

He asked everyone to “please follow the CDC recommendations,” before making what could be interpreted as a broader request.

“I know this is a strong statement, but during this global pandemic, I’m asking you to curtail non-essential travel to the greatest extent possible. We will look at holiday travel and advise you of our stance by the end of October,” Ponds said.

Ponds provided a one-sentence when asked by NJ Advance Media about his letter.

“Keeping our students and staff safe will take a partnership with the community and that is why I spoke out about unnecessary travel,” Ponds said.

The discussion in Montclair comes as medical experts are warning that COVID-19 could worsen in the fall and winter, raising the possibility of a second year of heart-wrenching discussions among families about curtailing travel for the holidays.

In May, New Jersey stopped requiring those returning to the state or visiting to quarantine due to the pandemic.

Ponds, in his letter, outlined the CDC guidelines for process for any returning domestic or international travelers. He noted that domestic travel, for New Jersey residents, is defined as lasting 24 hours or longer to states other than Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware.

“If your children are not fully vaccinated, they should be tested within three to five days of return and quarantine for seven days, even with a negative test. Without a test, the quarantine period increases to 10 days,” Ponds wrote.

Ponds offered an optimistic review of the first month of classes.

“I’ve been visiting schools every day, and I see the power of in-person instruction. People feel good, students are smiling, staff is working together, and it is so important that we continue our multilayered mitigating strategies to keep us in the schools,” Ponds wrote.

The spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey has been decreasing in recent days. The seven-day average for confirmed positive tests as of Thursday was 1,726, down 7% from a week ago, but up 3% from a month ago.

New Jersey on Thursday reported another 2,015 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 28 more confirmed deaths, while hospitalizations dropped below 1,000 patients for the first time in more than five weeks.

If you are a parent, student or work in an N.J. school district, we’d like to hear your thoughts and concerns about schools and COVID-19 this year by filling out this form.

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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.