Sparta High Shuts Down Sports After COVID-19 Positives

SPARTA, NJ - COVID-19 concerns pushed back the start of hybrid instruction at the Sparta Township Public Schools and now it has pressed paused on all athletic activity as multiple athletes have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to officials.

Practices are set to resume Oct. 5.

In a letter sent to parents, Acting Superintendent Patrick McQueeney, said that student-athletes that participate in Football and Girl’s Soccer at Sparta High School tested positive for COVID-19.

"Since the confirmed cases are now affecting multiple athletic teams, effective immediately and out of an abundance of caution, we are suspending all Sparta High School athletics and activities for 14 days," he said. "Our intent is to take this action as a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of our student athletes and our coaches. We are hoping to avoid a potential scenario that could result in a future cancellation of the fall season."

McQueeney, noted the athletic team that were impacted by or are direct contacts of these positive cases are being contacted directly by the athletic department and the New Jersey Department of Health and will be provided guidance from the NJSIAA and the New Jersey Department of Health regarding the need to quarantine and other cautionary measures.

The District is also coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community, according to McQueeney.

"We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage parents and students to continue following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention promoted safeguards," he said.

McQueeney, also listed several locations for families to get rapid response testing, including:

• URGIMED Urgent Care - Randolph, NJ 973-891-1321
• PM Pediatrics - Pompton Plains, NJ 973-616-5437
• Medemerge - Green Brook, NJ 732-968-8900

Social Gatherings

McQueeney also said that recent reported cases of COVID-19 could be originating from students gathering socially.

"We strongly encourage all of our students and families to not gather in large groups, always wear your mask in the presence of others, and maintain appropriate social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus," McQueeney, said. "Engaging in unsafe behaviors that result in the transmission of the virus amongst members of our school community could impact our ability to continue our fall athletic seasons and endanger a potential return to school. Should we receive additional reports of positive cases related to this confirmed case, we will be communicating with those affected teams and individuals and their families directly."

As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern.

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