Manchester Schools Finalize Mask-Optional COVID Rules

MANCHESTER, NJ — When New Jersey's mask mandate lifts on Monday, the Manchester Township schools will be mask optional for students and staff, Superintendent John P. Berenato confirmed.

Berenato notified staff, parents and students of updates to the district's COVID-19 measures on Friday, in preparation for the move to masks being optional.

"The goal of these changes is to gradually and safely return our school community to as much normalcy as possible for the remainder of the school year," Berenato said. "Please keep in mind that all information is subject to change based on CDC and NJ Department of Health guidelines and mandates issued by the Governor."

In addition to masks being optional in school buildings, they no longer will be required on school buses, Berenato said.

Quarantine Procedures

Berenato said students and staff members who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to isolate and not attend school for five days after they show symptoms.

"Parents and staff must continue to notify their school nurses or main offices if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 so we can perform the required contact tracing and keep our schools and families safe," he said.

Students or staff members who have a household member who is positive must stay home from school.

"The school nurse will determine the length of time for exclusion of household contacts based on individual circumstances," he said, and remote instruction will be made available to any isolated or excluded student.

If student is exposed at school, parents will be notified, but quarantines for students who are close contacts will be optional, Berenato said. Remote instruction will be available for students when families choose to quarantine after an exposure.

Daily Health Screenings

Parents and staff will no longer have to submit a daily health screening, and temperatures will no longer be taken as students and staff come into the schools, Berenato said.

"If your child is sick, please do not send them to school," he said.

Unvaccinated staff members will still be required to undergo weekly testing as required in Executive Order 253, he said.

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