Face Masks Optional When Outdoors, Says South Brunswick Schools

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — With temperatures and humidity soaring, South Brunswick School District said it was making face masks “optional” for students when outdoors.

In a message to the school community on Tuesday, school Superintendent Scott Feder said masking was optional for students whenever they are outdoors and will not be required during recess and outdoor PE classes. But students will still need to maintain social distancing.

However, masks remain mandatory when indoors.

"… We would like to reiterate to everyone that masks while indoors, in air-conditioned spaces, which all of our schools are, still remain the directive of the Governor and the Department of Education,” Feder said.

South Brunswick has joined other school districts like Princeton, East Brunswick and Lawrenceville in removing outdoor mask mandates this week due to weather conditions.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy said masks are optional for school districts in extreme heat.

"As a reminder to all school officials, our current masking requirements do include exceptions for cases of extreme heat in outdoor settings and for situations indoors or outdoors where wearing a mask would inhibit the individual’s health,” Murphy said.

“School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions, and we hope they will make the right calls for their educational communities.”

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