Masks Mandatory In Maplewood Schools Only In These Situations, District Says

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — As local schools slowly get used to the "new normal" amid the COVID pandemic, they've been releasing information about health protocols.

Last week, the South Orange-Maplewood schools released a letter indicating their updated COVID guidelines and other information in advance of school starting this Thursday, Sept. 8. (See the updated school calendar, approved Aug. 26, here.)

"Thanks to the work of many over the course of the last two and a half years, we are finally moving toward a sense of full normalcy," said a letter to the school community from the district.

"...We are transitioning, like most other school districts, with far fewer restrictions connected to COVID-19 (see the key highlights below). We are hopeful that this transition will
ultimately be to an ‘endemic.' "

Masks will be required, so far, just for large indoor gatherings, people returning to school after a COVID isolation, and if there's an outbreak or large transmission increase according to the state.

There will be no option for remote learning this year.

Below are highlights of the new guidelines. The full back-to-school handbook can be found here: https://bit.ly/SOMSD_22-23SY.

2022-23 SY Return to School: Key Highlights:

1. All SOMSD school buildings PreK-12, buses and facilities, regardless of vaccination status, are now mask optional/friendly. District exceptions, where mask will be required, include:
   • During large indoor gatherings;
   • For individuals returning to school after COVID positive isolation on days 6-10 - indoors and outdoors;
   • As recommended by the DOH (i.e., significant increase in transmission, outbreak);
2. Isolation is required for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and students/staff must stay home when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
3. Quarantine is no longer recommended for people who are exposed to COVID-19 in schools and Early Childhood Education (CDC, August 2022);
4. The District will no longer provide remote access to our classrooms due to Covid-related absences. We are moving back to pre pandemic absence protocols, therefore, absences for Covid-19 will be handled like any other absences for illness, and school work will be provided as it would be in the case for any other illness or absence from school;
5. We will no longer maintain the weekly Covid dashboard of cases nor will we send school notifications for positive cases. If there is an outbreak in a SOMSD classroom or school or program, only the affected groups will be notified with public health guidance;
6. Weekly testing for unvaccinated personnel in school districts is no longer required (August 15, 2022, Governor Murphy signed executive order 302);
7. In addition to above requirements, parents may make masking and testing decisions for themselves and their children - in school and out in the community - understanding that they and their children could be exposed to COVID-19 at any time;
8. We are encouraging vaccinations.