Lifting NJ School Mask Mandate Might Be A Phased Approach, Says Gov. Murphy

NEW JERSEY — In less than two months the New Jersey statewide school mask mandate is set to expire. While Gov. Phil Murphy did not announce any decisions on whether it will be extended, he did touch on how he plans to eventually lift the mandate when the time comes.

"We are not there yet on lifting the mandate but please God we will be. I hope it's sooner than later," said Murphy about the school mask mandate during a news conference Monday.

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While some states such as Massachusetts is allowing school districts to lift mask mandates once 80 percent of students and staff are vaccinated, Murphy said New Jersey doesn't have a percent approach.

Instead, Murphy said he will rely on New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli and NJ State Epidemiologist Dr. Christina Tan to work on metrics and timing to take a look at where COVID cases are after the holidays.

Murphy did note that he is most likely looking at a phased approach to lifting the mask mandate in schools.

"I continue to envision something that looks phased," said Murphy. "In other words, the 12 and up kids have been eligible a lot longer and their penetration rate in the vaccine is a lot more significant than the 4 to 11 crowd. That is to our way of thinking as far as a guideline."

Regardless of when the school mandate would be lifted Murphy stressed the importance of vaccination to help to lift all mandates.

"The more kids we can get vaccinated, the more everybodys we can get boosted, the faster we will be able to get out of this, lift the mandate and get out of all of this stuff that is hanging over all of our heads," said Murphy.

The vaccine is available to only those ages 5 years and older and boosters are available as well. To find a vaccine location click here.

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