Masks For Newark Public School Students, Staff Will Continue

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey may not be making students wear face masks when they return to classrooms this fall, but its largest public school district will – for now.

Students in New Jersey schools won't be required to wear masks for the 2021-22 school year, but Gov. Phil Murphy left districts with the option to set their own policies. Anyone who want to wear a mask will still be able to do so, Murphy said. Read more: No Mask Mandate For NJ Students This Fall, Gov. Murphy Says

The Newark Public School District has already released its “Safe Return Plan” for 2021-2022, which includes mandatory face masks for all employees, students, visitors and anyone else entering school property.

The current version of the plan includes:

• Wearing a face mask is required for everyone while on school or district grounds.
• Wearing a face mask is required for everyone in school vehicles.
• Students and staff must arrive to school and work with a mask. No one will be allowed to enter the building without a mask.
• Face mask may be removed when using the restroom or during meal times or recess, as long as social distancing is maintained.
• Face mask may be removed if alone and room is closed.
• Acceptable masks include disposable surgical masks or cloth masks.

Exemptions to the rule will include:

• Students, staff or visitors for whom a face covering would inhibit the individual’s health or the individual is under two years of age
• When exposed to extreme heat outdoors or engaged in high-intensity physical activity
• Communication with someone who is hearing impaired and needs to see the person’s mouth to communicate (a mask with a clear mouth piece is recommended)

Newark parents and students may want to stay tuned if health guidance shifts, however. Last week, district officials said parts of the plan might change as the new school year approaches, Chalkbeat reported.

“As we go through the month of September and we monitor conditions, we may loosen up on some of those [requirements],” Newark Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Nicole Johnson said.

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