The township of Lakewood
continues to lead the way in new positive cases of COVID-19 in Ocean County,
and as a result, the first private school has now switched to remote learning. The
announcement also follows a new warning for students and staff riding buses to
comply with all regulations.
The warning comes from the
Lakewood public schools' spokesperson and attorney Michael Inzelbuch, as some
buses are shared between public and private schools. Inzelbuch warns any bus
seen with drivers or students not following district enhanced safety protocol
must be reported or face fines and further action. It comes after reports of
maskless children and drivers were seen in the township.
Meanwhile, private girls'
school Bnos Esther Malka
voluntarily closed
Tuesday after exposure to COVID-19 by
several students and staff members, according to the headmaster. It’s the first
religious private school to shut its doors following a spike in COVID-19 cases
in the township. The school will remain closed through the Sukkos
holiday.
Four of Lakewood 's public
school students and 10 staff members tested positive since the start of the
school year. Inzelbuch says despite the cases, because of safety measures in
place, the schools remain fully open and most of the individuals have returned
after quarantining.
Inzelbuch warns the district
will continue to take action against any staff member who fails to follow
COVID-19 requirements. Inzelbuch says the public-school district continues to
receive praise from the health department for the safety measures put in place
and the ability to hold full time in class instruction.