Governor to extend the statewide public health emergency
NOTING the significant decline of statewide COVID-19 metrics, Governor Phil Murphy early this week announced that masks and facial coverings will no longer be mandated for students, staff, or visitors in schools and childcare centers effective March 7, 2022.
“We can responsibly take this step given the continuing drop in new cases and hospitalizations from Omicron and with all the evidence projecting a continued decline over the coming weeks,” Murphy said. “We are also buoyed by the continued growth in vaccinations and the expectation that the vaccines will be made available to children under the age of 5 in early March. We strongly encourage parents of school age children to have your child vaccinated.”
The governor also said that he plans sign an Executive Order to extend the new public-health emergency he declared in New Jersey on January 11, 2022 to battle a big surge in the coronavirus pandemic for at least another 30 days as it expires on February 10, 2022.
The Public Health Emergency allows the state to continue vaccine distribution, vaccination or testing requirements in certain settings, the collection of COVID-19 data, implementation of any applicable recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent or limit the transmission of COVID-19, staffing and resource allocation, and other critical components of the State’s COVID-19 response.
Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, the Public Health Emergency will expire after 30 days, unless renewed. State COVID-19 metrics will be reevaluated at the time of expiration to determine if an extension will be needed.
No more mask mandate
School districts and childcare facilities can continue to implement universal masking policies after the mandate is lifted in March. Schools that do not impose universal masking should revise their COVID policies to utilize masking among other prevention strategies under certain circumstances.
“I must thank the overwhelming majority of students, parents, administrators, educators, and support staffers who have worn their masks without problem or protest since our schools reopened for in-person learning. Thankfully, we have reached a point where we feel confident that we can take another step toward normalcy for our kids,” Murphy said. “Given the continued drop in new cases and hospitalizations, projections indicating a continued decline over the coming weeks, and the continued growth of vaccinations for our school-aged population, we believe that we can responsibly end the universal mask mandate.”
Schools will not be permitted to bar the use of facial coverings by individuals and will be expected to take disciplinary action in instances of bullying should they arise due to an individual’s choice to continue wearing a mask. Prior to the mandate being lifted, the Department of Health will release guidance to help school districts update their policies to align with the risks and unique needs of their setting and student population to ensure safe learning environments.
“The Department will develop guidance that incorporates all aspects of safety in schools while children are unmasked,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We know that every parent wants to do what’s best for their children.”
Murphy and the Department of Health continue to encourage parents of school-aged children age five and over to vaccinate children against COVID-19.
“With more than 90% of eligible residents having received a first dose, we are among only six other states to have reached this milestone according to the CDC, but again, while all the signs continue to point in a positive direction, we have to keep it that way,” Murphy said. “None of us should be taking anything for granted, and none of us should be ready to let up. We are moving steadily to a return to a real sense of normal, and let’s get there.” n
