Mask Rule 'Relaxed' In Cranford Schools Due To Heat: Official

CRANFORD, NJ — After Gov. Phil Murphy said on Monday that school making requirements include an exception for "extreme heat" — such as the 90-degree temperatures New Jersey experienced this week — many superintendents around the state announced that masks are optional on hot days. Cranford took it a step further this week.

"The governor stated this afternoon that in-school masking requirements include an exception for extreme heat," wrote Cranford Superintendent Scott Rubin in a letter to the school community on Monday night. "Therefore, given the predicted forecast for high temperatures and humidity for the rest of the school year, and in partnership with the Township Health Department, the masking requirement for the remainder of the school year will be relaxed."

The last day of school is next week, according to the school calendar amended in March (linked here).

Rubin added, "Students and staff will be able to remove their masks inside and outside of school. Please be advised that individuals will be expected to wear masks as they travel to and from each classroom. Please discuss as a family what works best for your situation."

Murphy had said:

Not every superintendent was pleased. The superintendent of the Millstone schools Tweeted in response:

Superintendent Rubin noted in his letter, "Additional masking as well as social distancing guidelines have also been recently updated for certain end of year events/ceremonies. These changes will be communicated directly to you from your child's principal based on each event."

In nearby Westfield, officials have relaxed outdoor mask requirements for students, but kept them when students are indoors. Read more here.

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