Wayne Students Can Remove Masks During 'Extreme Heat'

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Public Schools students and staff will now be able to take off their masks during days of extreme heat, Superintendent Mark Toback announced on Wednesday.

The move follows guidance from Gov. Phil Murphy, who this week 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."

Wayne Schools shifted class schedules to "minimal days" this week as temperatures climbed, but announced the new mask guidance in a letter to the community.

"On Monday, Governor Murphy unexpectedly made an announcement about easing masking requirements in public schools during periods of extreme heat. This was a major departure from any other communication he made about the need for masking. Since Monday afternoon, we have worked to consider health and safety issues for all students and staff and with the help of our Wayne Department of Health, we were able to ease some masking requirements and offer far more flexibility," wrote Toback.

Starting on Thursday students and staff will be "permitted to remove their masks indoors and outdoors in extreme heat." Social distancing and desk shield will remain in the building where possible, officials said.

Still, with more heat in the forecast for Thursday, the township will implement another minimal day schedule.

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