Wayne Schools Loosen COVID Restrictions, Take Down Desk Shields

WAYNE, NJ — The desk shields in Wayne Township Public Schools are coming down. As coronavirus numbers move in a positive direction, this is one of the restrictions on which the district can gradually scale back, according to Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback.

The high schools and middle schools have been operating this year without shields, with a few exceptions. But the unique challenges in the elementary schools made it sensible to start the year with a more cautious approach, Toback said in a Friday letter to parents and guardians. They were not required though, according to Toback.

The decision came after conferring with the district's infectious disease consultant and the Wayne Department of Health.

"However, there are still some situations where maintaining shields is necessary," Toback said. "Please speak to your building principal in the event that you have any specific concerns about this change."

Passaic County carries "moderate" coronavirus activity, according to the latest weekly report from the New Jersey Department of Health. The state health department measures risk level with metrics such as case rate, positivity rate and the prevalence of COVID-like illness.

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