Mask Mandate In Morristown Rescinded As COVID Transmission Decreases

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown's mask mandate is no longer. Mayor Tim Dougherty issued an executive order Thursday repealing the town's mask requirement for businesses and public venues.

The repeal takes effect immediately.

From Dec. 23: Mask Mandate Returns To Morristown Amid COVID Spike

Dougherty issued a mask mandate last month, which took effect Dec. 24, as coronavirus cases spiked throughout New Jersey. Daily case totals — both statewide and in Morris County — continue to exceed all daily figures from before the omicron variant surge but have gradually declined. Read more: How Much Is COVID Spreading In Morristown Amid Omicron?

The mayor's new executive order cites New Jersey's transmission rate dropping below 1.0. The transmission rate stands at 0.83 as of Thursday, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. A transmission rate of 1 or higher indicates each person with the virus is spreading it to someone else.

The executive order still recommends that public venues require staff and encourage customers and visitors to wear face coverings or shields while within 6 feet of others. But it's no longer mandated.

Read the full executive order here.

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