Princeton Schools Will Follow NJ Guidance On Mask Mandate

PRINCETON, NJ — Regardless of vaccination status, Princeton Public Schools will require students and staff to wear masks during the new school year, the district announced Thursday. Masks will have to be worn in school buildings and while riding the school bus.

PPS joins other school districts in mandating masks according to Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order.

Beginning the first day of school on Sep. 9, PPS will continue to require daily health screening for students and staff.

With all students expected to return to classrooms in the upcoming school year, the district will make efforts to maintain as much distance as possible between students given that classroom configuration and capacity may vary.

The school district will also continue with contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine for those who have a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.

Although there are no COVID-19 vaccine mandates for PPS staff and students, recent reports suggest that Murphy is expected to announce a mandate requiring all New Jersey teachers to get vaccinated.

If this happens, New Jersey will join California and Washington in mandating the vaccine for teachers.

Read More Here: COVID Vaccine Mandate Coming For NJ Teachers: Report

It wasn't immediately clear if teachers will be able to get tested regularly in lieu of the vaccine.

A few schools in the state are opposing Murphy’s mask mandates. The Hopatcong School District recently sent a letter to Murphy saying while the school district plans to follow his Executive Order on masking this fall, districts should be able to make their own decisions on masking.

Meanwhile, the Stafford Township Board of Education called on Murphy to rescind the new mask mandate for schools, arguing that local districts should have the authority to decide whether masks need to be optional or mandatory.

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