Decision Coming On Mask Mandate For Point Pleasant Beach Schools

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Come March 7, school district officials across New Jersey will get their wish when New Jersey's mask mandate for schools is lifted: the ability to decide on the local level what is best for the district's students.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced his intention to end the mandate, citing a continuing decline statewide in COVID-19 illnesses and infections.

"We have reached a point where we feel confident that we can take another step toward normalcy for our kids," Murphy said. "Given the continued drop in new cases and hospitalizations, projections indicating a continued decline over the coming weeks, and the continued growth of vaccinations for our school-aged population, we believe that we can responsibly end the universal mask mandate."

"Governor Murphy's announcement was not surprising, given the positive trend in Covid infection data seen over recent weeks," Point Pleasant Beach Superintendent William Smith said. "Our district too has seen a sharp (and welcome) decline in Covid activity."

But the district is not making a decision yet on what its rules will be.

"Once the District is provided information on the announced Executive Order and revised health guidance, I will update our families about the status of our policies and procedures for March," he said.

Murphy's announcement said school districts and childcare facilities can continue to require masks after the mandate is lifted, but school districts cannot bar anyone from wearing masks.

In August, Murphy signed Executive Order 251 continuing the mask requirement for the fall, a requirement that fueled debates after Murphy allowed districts some leeway in the late spring when summer temperatures made classrooms that lack air conditioning unbearably hot.

That leeway continued at the beginning of the fall, but only spurred the debates further.

State health officials said guidance will be released to school districts before the mandate is lifted "to help school districts update their policies to align with the risks and unique needs of their setting and student population to ensure safe learning environments."

"The Department will develop guidance that incorporates all aspects of safety in schools while children are unmasked," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. "We know that every parent wants to do what’s best for their children."

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