Several schools across New Jersey, including Howell High School, are reporting cases of COVID-19 among the student body, but unlike last year, classes remain in person.

According to a letter from the Howell High School principal sent to parents, contact tracing notified those who may have been around the person who tested positive. All areas of the school have been sanitized with special attention to the areas where the person was known to be near.

At the Ocean County Community College, 20 students and two employees have tested positive since the start of school on Sept. 7. Quarantined students are using a remote learning option at OCC. There is no vaccine mandate in place.

Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone praises the efforts by the schools, saying the districts, local health departments and the state came up with the action plan to keep kids in school, and keep schools open. They will continue to offer vaccine to students who want it through the Monmouth County Health Department.  

Strict COVID policies set by the New Jersey Department of Education are being followed.

Howell High School is part of the Freehold Regional High School District. Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson says there are zero cases of in-school transmission, and that has been the case since the start of the pandemic.