Bridgewater Schools Undecided On Masks As Delta Variant Hits NJ

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Administrators in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District are still mulling over questions surrounding masks and other reopening plans as the new school year nears.

"The district is not ready to share a final decision yet," said Acting Superintendent Karen Jones.

As the delta variant spurs a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday recommended that people who are vaccinated and in areas at high risk for the coronavirus wear masks indoors.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli followed the CDC's recommendation and announced they "strongly recommend" masking in indoor settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents due to increased risk. Read More: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

"Our metrics are trending in the wrong direction, and new data suggests the Delta variant is more transmissible even among vaccinated individuals, which is why we are making this strong recommendation," said Murphy and Persichilli in a joint statement.

Speaking during a news conference Monday, Murphy said he's not backing down on his stance that schools need to return to a fully in-person, five-day a week format in the fall. And while the state is not mandating the use of masks among unvaccinated students, school districts can choose to go beyond what the state is recommending, he said.

• See related: NJ Mask Mandates Guided By 'Local Realities,' Gov. Says
• See related: Delta Variant Continues Spread Despite NJ Vaccination Compliance

Earlier this month, the Bridgewater-Raritan School District was preparing for a full, in-person return to the classroom this fall and said they would rely on federal and state health officials for guidance. Read More: Bridgewater-Raritan Schools Prepare For Full In-Person Return

In a letter to staff and community members on Friday, district officials said that a final determination about the need for masks in the classroom has not yet been made by the state department of education.

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District officials said that updated guidance on masks in the school setting is expected to be made prior to September. Once the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention makes its determination for masks in the classroom, state education leaders will make a determination of what will happen in New Jersey as part of policies moving forward.

Currently, masking is required on school buses at all times. And the district will continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines which will require three feet distancing between students in the classroom setting as well as in cafeterias and lunch rooms when possible.

The next Board of Education will be held on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in person. The district is also hosting a live video feed on Aug. 11 for parents on Preparing your child for the new school year.

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