Paramus Students Can Remove Masks During 'Extreme Heat'

PARAMUS, NJ — Paramus Public Schools students won't have to wear their masks during days of extreme heat, Superintendent Sean Adams announced this week.

The move follows guidance from Gov. Phil Murphy, but also measures that eliminated the use of desk shield in schools, as well as mandatory mask-wearing outdoors.

"These two measures are clear examples of the ways in which the district’s leadership team has taken into account the exhibited success of our COVID-19 transmission mitigation protocols, in addition to the significantly high rate of vaccinations within the overall Paramus community and among individuals within our schools," Adams said.

A third measure can now be added to that last after Murphy said that "school officials are empowered to make the best decision for their buildings and communities" when it comes to mask wearing during "extreme weather conditions."

Adams sent guidance to the Paramus community in a letter dated Tuesday:

"In light of this announcement, coupled with the fact that the Executive Order also includes an exception to masking protocols in situations where wearing a mask would inhibit an individual’s health, and following careful consideration of our assessment of the district’s individual circumstances including the mitigating factors identified above, effective immediately students and staff are permitted to remove their masks both indoors and outdoors due to the extreme heat inherent to our area during this time of the year."

This protocol will last throughout the remainder of the school year, and continue through the district's summer learning program, Adams said. It will be applicable to all indoor and outdoor school-related activities, including while students are on the bus, he added.

The district offered further clarification on Wednesday:

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