Decision Coming On Mask Mandate From Bridgewater-Raritan Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — New Jersey will be dropping its statewide school mask mandate on March 7 but Bridgewater-Raritan Regional will take time to decide what to do for when that date arrives.

"I am looking forward to the updated guidance from the [New Jersey Department of Health] and [New Jersey Department of Education," School Superintendent Dr. Robert Beers. "At this point, I will analyze multiple factors and make recommendations to the board of education. I am hopeful districts will also receive updated guidance relative to contact tracing and quarantine."

Gov. Phil Murphy added that while the statewide mandate will end on March 7, individual school districts and daycare centers will still be able to maintain masking 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.

As of Monday, Bridgewater Township Schools reported five new positive COVID cases in the district. In total since Sept. 1, the district has reported 1,540 cases.

Somerset County reported Bridgewater had 3 new cases on Monday.

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