'Mask Optional' To Begin At Basking Ridge Schools On March 7

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township School District will be shifting to a mask optional policy effective March 7 following Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement on Monday.

"It was always in our plan... that as soon as it was allowable then masks will be optional. So now the governor is making it allowable," Board of Education President Robin McKeon said at the meeting on Monday night.

Her announcement was followed by applause and cheering from the audience.

Murphy said the statewide mandate will end on March 7 but leaving it up to individual school districts and daycare centers to decide if they wish to continue maske requirements afterward if they choose. Read More: Schools Can Extend Mask Mandate, But NJ Requirement Ends In March

People who choose to wear masks may continue to do so. Murphy will extend New Jersey's public-health state of emergency for one more month to allow schools to make the adjustment.

Bernards Township Superintendent Nick Markarian said Murphy's news was "welcome and encouraging."

"Seeing these COVID numbers going down is really great. It's uplifting for everyone," said Markarian.

While masks will be optional beginning March 7 at all Bernards Township Schools, McKeon said there would still be some caveats regarding students returning to school after having COVID.

"We have to work out the details. We are waiting to see if the state updates its guidance for those types of situations," said McKeon. "But in the meantime for everybody else, who is not at any more risk than normal of having COVID, maks will be optional."

Additionally, the school board had a meeting with the student government to discuss this change in policy and possible peer pressure towards students who choose to continue to wear a mask.

"Out student government students reassured us that would not happen in our schools and that everyone will be respectful of each other," said McKeon. "We believe them and are very happy everyone is going to support each other and get through this the best that they can."

One parent, Nicole Riley, welcomed the district's news.

"Thank you for making masks optional and allowing each family to choose what is best for their own families," said Riley. "I respect anyone who chooses to continue to wear a mask and I know my children will do the same."

As of Tuesday, Bernards Township Schools reported two new positive COVID cases in the district. In total since Sept. 8, the district has reported 1,096 cases.

Somerset County reported Basking Ridge had 4 new cases as of Tuesday.

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