Masks Optional At East Windsor Public Schools After March 7

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — The East Windsor Regional School District will make masks optional for students and staff after March 7, Superintendent Mark Daniel said.

New Jersey's school mask mandate is set to expire on March 7.

"Upon reviewing district health data, updated NJDOH guidance, and after consultation with local health officials, indoor mask-wearing in the EWRSD will become optional for students, staff, and visitors on March 7, 2022. This will also include school buses," Daniels said in a letter to the school community.

Although mask-wearing is now optional, if COVID cases move to “high” or “very high” within the region or state, masking will be required at schools, Daniels said. Masking will also be required during an active COVID-19 outbreak or a "significant increase in cases" in the school district.

Students and staff who are returning to school from isolation or quarantine will need to temporarily wear a mask.

Those who are ill with COVID-19 like symptoms, while in school, should wear a mask until they leave the building, the district said.

Similarly, students or staff who are immunocompromised or live with persons at high risk for COVID-19 illness "should consider wearing a mask," Daniels said.

Meanwhile, the district said it will take disciplinary action against those who disrespect or bully someone for their choice to wear or not wear a mask.

"Although the state’s universal mask mandate for schools will be lifted as of March 7, students, staff, and visitors will still be permitted to wear masks if they so choose. Therefore, it is critical that we respect the personal decisions that are made regarding mask-wearing as we move forward," the Superintendent said.

"The administration will take disciplinary action if it is determined that incidents of disrespect or bullying occur as a result of an individual’s choice to wear or not wear a face covering."

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