COVID-19 in Hopewell Twp, Timberlane Middle School Teacher infected

The Health Department has been alerted to positive COVID 19 test results for a Hopewell Township family that had been practicing self-quarantine since March 14. THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVING HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, HOPEWELL BOROUGH, AND PENNINGTON BOROUGH AS WELL AS MONTGOMERY.

One of the positive tests is a teacher at Timberlane Middle School in Hopewell Valley Regional School District. The teacher was asymptomatic while at school.

All parents should monitor their children for fever and cough until March 27, and contact their health provider should these symptoms develop. It is important to remember that children, like all persons, may exhibit very mild or no symptoms and still be able to spread the virus.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS CASE. 911 is for life-threatening emergencies.

The facts cannot be ignored or minimized. The COVID-19 virus is already present in our community, regardless of anyone’s relationship to this specific case. There will most assuredly be more cases in the time ahead. It is critically important that all residents diligently practice social distancing RIGHT NOW. We cannot stress enough how important this practice is for the health and safety of the entire community.

This means: STAY HOME. Avoid nonessential trips, and maintain 6 feet distance between other people when you must go out. Those main exceptions to this guidance are risking their health and the health of those they may come in contact with.

This is not the time for sleepovers, play groups, birthday parties, and congregating of any kind.

This is the time when your actions can make the different between life and death, whether we are able to slow or reduce this outbreak, or we will see — in Hopewell Valley — desperate scenes like those that have been broadcast from places that didn’t act firmly enough, soon enough.

HOpewell Valley Regional Schools are providing remote education until at least March 30. This will be further evaluated and updates provided to parents by March 23.

For the latest information, check out the Health Department’s joint COVID 19 webpage at https://health.montgomery.nj.us/covid19/

Message from Hopewell Valley Regional School District:

Dear Hopewell Valley Families,

This evening we were informed that a staff member who works at Timberlane Middle School has tested positive for COVID 19.  The staff member was asymptomatic while at school. We are working closely with the Health Department to monitor this situation and we will provide additional updates as we are able. The Health Department Press release is available here. 

All parents should monitor their child for fever and cough until March 27, and contact their health care provider should these symptoms develop.  

Important Reminders From Our Health Department:

• All New Jersey residents must practice social distancing immediately.
• That means: Stay home. Avoid non-essential trips, and maintain 6 feet distance between other people when you must go out.
• ​This is not the time for sleepovers, play group, birthday parties, and congregating of any kind. 
• Children in particular may exhibit very mild or no symptoms and still be able to spread the virus. 

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The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is providing remote education until at least March 30. This date will be reevaluated in the coming days and we will communicate any changes by Monday, March 23.

For the latest information, check out the  Health Department’s COVID 19 webpage at  

www.health.montgomery.nj.us/covid19

Please contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools