Woodbridge Schools Relax Mask Mandate In Hot Classrooms Only

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — As of Monday, Woodbridge Public Schools are allowing students and teachers to take their masks off in hot, un-air conditioned classrooms only, said Woodbridge superintendent Bob Zega.

This is per an announcement that Gov. Phil Murphy made Monday, where he said that masks are optional for school districts in extreme heat.

"We are following the guidelines that allow students in classrooms without air conditioning to unmask if breathing becomes difficult," Zega told Patch Tuesday morning.

"Most of our classrooms have AC," he added.

Brick and Toms River school districts (Ocean County) is doing the same as Woodbridge: Allowing students and teachers to take their masks off in hot classrooms. Read that story: Brick Schools Relax In-School Mask Requirement In Hot Weather

Toms River Schools Make Masks Optional In Extreme Heat

Murphy's masks-off rule change may only be in place as long as the heat wave lasts, which is predicted to stretch through Thursday.

"It is hot today, and above average temperatures and humid conditions are forecast for at least the next couple of days," said Gov. Murphy on Monday. "As a reminder to all school officials, our current masking requirements do include exceptions for cases of extreme heat in outdoor settings and for situations indoors or outdoors where wearing a mask would inhibit the individual’s health. School officials are empowered to relax masking among students and staff in their buildings given extreme weather conditions, and we hope they will make the right calls for their educational communities."

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