Glen Rock High School has closed down temporarily after one staff member and three students contract COVID-19. 

COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on the world since it first arose in the beginning of 2020. As cases are once again on the rise, countries across the globe are forcing themselves back into lockdown phases. As of today the United States has hit 10.3 million COVID-19 cases since this pandemic has started and has unfortunately killed 239,000 Americans. Worldwide this pandemic has infected 55.6 million people and taken 1.34 million lives. In New Jersey alone we have had 287,000 cases and 16,618 deaths (The New York Times). 

Bergen County has 30,046 cases and 2,087 deaths. Glen Rock High School has had five students and two staff members infected so far in the first semester of the year with hybrid learning. In the elementary schools, one Byrd School staff member, one Hamilton School staff member and two Central Schools students contracted the virus. 

A letter from Superintendent Dr. Brett Charleston was sent out to the district and stated, “Based on New Jersey Department of Health guidelines, we are required to close the High School and Middle School for 14 days.” Virtual instruction began on  Monday Nov. 16 and will continue through Wednesday Nov. 25.

Glen Rock’s Middle School and High School plan to reopen on Nov. 30. In the meantime, there are Regional Community Mobile Covid-19 testing sites including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Bergen County Technical High School. The high school site will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with check in beginning at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is necessary.