Looking To 2021 In Essex County: Coronavirus, Schools, Business

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — 2020 was a year of tragedy, triumph and unpredictability. But all things must end and yield to new beginnings.

Here are three things to ponder as Essex County moves forward into 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINES: WILL PEOPLE GET THEM?

In December, the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines began in Essex County. And while the general public isn't eligible to get the first of the two necessary shots yet, there are a range of frontline health care workers who can – and have already gotten theirs.

• COVID-19 Vaccines Begin In Essex County (What You Need To Know)

But when vaccines become available to the general public, it remains to be seen whether Essex County will achieve the 70 percent vaccination rate that state officials are hoping for within six months.

In November, Rutgers-Eagleton researchers released the results of a poll that tried to get a bead on the Garden State's current feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Between 36 percent and 47 percent of respondents said they "probably" or "definitely" won't get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• 2 In 5 NJ Residents Say They Won't Take Coronavirus Vaccine (Poll)

A recent informal Patch survey showed that 54 percent of New Jersey readers said they would get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. About a quarter — 26.2 percent — said they intend to take a coronavirus vaccine once approved but only after it's been in use long enough to ensure it's safe and effective. Meanwhile, 16.5 percent don't intend to get a vaccine, and 3.3 percent weren’t sure.

• Most In NJ Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine, But Some Skeptical (Survey)

BUSINESSES: WILL THEY RECOVER?

Across Essex County, local businesses – both large and small – were tested in ways they never expected last year. Not all survived.

• Popular Maplewood Bar Closes With Note: 'The Pandemic Killed Us'
• Steaks, Pretzels, Music: COVID Shutdown Ravages Nutley Businesses
• COVID-19 Causes Bittersweet End For Montclair Dessert Restaurant

Some business owners have clashed with state regulations, curfews and restrictions.

• Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Verona: 'Let Us Reopen'
• Essex County Restaurant Owner Defies Gov. Murphy's Orders Again
• Newark Bars Accused Of COVID-19 Violations On Halloween Weekend

But others found a pathway forward, adapting to weather the crisis the best they can. Some even found ways to thrive.

• Black-Owned Movie Theater In Essex County Thrives Amid Pandemic
• Essex County Restaurant Owner Takes Gutsy Leap, Expands Amid COVID
• Cargo Flights Are Helping United Airlines Weather COVID Crisis
• Pandemic Inspires Livingston Mom, Son To Open Store In Montclair

SCHOOLS: WILL THEY BE REMOTE OR IN-PERSON?

Throughout Essex County, local school districts had a tough call to make in 2020: go remote or stay in-person?

Constantly changing state regulations – and school districts’ attempts to find their own pathways forward – were a hallmark of 2020. Will there be another year of uncertainty in Essex County, or will schools find more secure footing?

Here are some of the storylines that are expected to continue in 2021.

Newark Public Schools Put Brakes On Plan To Reopen In Person

New Jersey's largest public school district will continue with all-online classes until late January due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Maplewood Parents Must Decide By Jan. 4 About Return To School

A hybrid plan for on-site education is set to begin Jan. 19, and the district has released a presentation on what that means.

Montclair And Nutley Parents Protest, Demand Schools Reopen

Dozens of people rallied in Montclair and Nutley to demand that schools reopen for in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

School Reopening Is 'Unsafe,' Essex County Teachers Union Says

"The risk to the health and safety of our students and staff is too high," the 12,000 members of the Essex County Education Association say.

Is It Fair To Rate Teachers Based On Student Scores During The Pandemic? Newark Teachers Raise Concerns.

The Newark school district will continue to rate teachers this year based partly on how well their students perform on standardized tests.

Millburn Schools Go Remote For Two Weeks In January

"Please plan to return from travel on or before January 4, and follow the CDC quarantine guidelines," wrote the superintendent.

West Orange Schools Hit Brakes On Reopen Plan: Coronavirus Update

The West Orange Public School District postponed its plan to roll out a "hybrid" learning model.

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