Chester Schools Relaxes Masking For Outdoor Recess/Activities

CHESTER, NJ — As the school year winds down across the region, some - including the Chester School District - are adjusting their masking policies slightly, with masks an option under certain circumstances, if temperatures soar.

This change is in reference to an announcement Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted on Monday, in which Murphy said he allowed New Jersey school districts to make decisions about masking, in warmer weather.

Chester School District Superintendent Christina Van Woert said Friday, the district has made some exceptions, as permitted by the governor, in keeping with his Executive Order 175 signed on Aug. 13, 2020.

“We haven't made too many changes because all of our schools are fully air conditioned, but we are allowing students to not wear masks outdoors for activities and/or recess,” said Van Woert.

REMINDER: School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions. pic.twitter.com/oBIjUfBFgT
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 7, 2021

In Murphy’s August 2020 order, he outlined what schools open for in-person instruction part or full-time must do, which includes social distancing and mandatory masks for students, except for extreme heat, if a student has a medical condition or disability where a mask could impact their health and when they’re engaging inside in a well-ventilated area for gym and able to socially distance.

Chester School District’s eighth graders have been scheduled to graduate on Friday and the district’s last day of school with an early dismissal is planned for Wednesday, June 16.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.