Mercer County’s Largest School District Reinstates Mask Mandate

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — One of New Jersey’s largest school districts has reinstated mask mandates after a “significant” increase in COVID-19 cases.

Trenton Public Schools will require students, staff and visitors to return to wearing masks this week.

School officials said that although positive COVID-19 cases in the district were “slight,” the Trenton Health Department has recommended masking due to an uptick in area hospitalizations.

“In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have increased significantly in several cities and municipalities in our surrounding area. District officials have been in regular communication with the Trenton Health Department regarding the impact of this increase on the city and Trenton Public Schools,” Superintendent James Earle said in a communication earlier this week.

“We have been informed that COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have increased in our immediate area. Although we have only seen slight increases throughout the district, the Trenton Health Department has recommended that we reinstate the mandatory masks requirement.”

Earle told the community that district officials were monitoring cases to determine if the mandate can be amended before the end of the school year. The last day of school for Trenton students is June 14.

Trenton Public School is among the state’s 10 largest school districts, with over 14,000 students.

The school district is among a growing number of districts bringing back mask mandates.

Princeton Public Schools reinstated mask requirements on May 16, with district officials citing increased COVID-19 cases and guidance from the Princeton Department of Health.

Metuchen schools announced a return to an indoor mask mandate earlier this month, with Superintendent Vincent Caputo saying the requirement will be “reconsidered on a week-by-week basis."

Mercer County meanwhile reported “high” COVID-19 activity for the week ending May 21, according to the NJ Department of Health. As of Thursday, the county reported 120 new confirmed positive COVID-19 cases and 26 new probable cases.

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