Jersey City Public Library To Continue Mask Policy

JERSEY CITY, NJ — As mask restrictions loosen, the Jersey City Public Library is keeping its current masking policy in place for the safety of patrons and staff.

The CDC announced last week that fully vaccinated people did not have to wear masks in certain settings, but the library is taking precautions. New Jersey lifted its outdoor mask mandate Monday but will temporarily maintain its masking rules for indoor, public spaces.

The library released a statement on Monday announcing its continuation of the mask policy:

"Here at the Library, our priority is the safety of our patrons and staff. We also recognize that our in-person services are crucial for many community members, and we are committed to safely restoring these services as quickly as we can. We continue to follow federal, state, and local guidelines regarding masks indoors and outdoors, social distancing, and cleaning practices. Since the CDC's announcement last week, we have been working to process the implications of the new guidelines, and we anticipate receiving updated guidance from state and local health departments in the coming days. At this time, the Library continues to require all staff and patrons to use masks and practice social distancing indoors and outdoors."

New Jersey will lift many of its indoor-capacity restrictions Wednesday, which will also mean removing the 50 percent cap for indoor dining. The state will still require 6 feet between groups in indoor, public spaces, such as restaurants.

The library will continue to expand services in June and will host a Virtual Town Hall on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. to announce details.