Masks Return At Camden City Schools In January With COVID, Flu, RSV Cases Rising

CAMDEN, NJ — All students, staff, and visitors to Camden City schools are required to wear face masks for two weeks in January upon return from the 2022 winter break.

State District Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs cited the increase in COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — the respiratory threats comprising the "tripledemic," which has strained hospitals and pediatric departments around the nation.

"Upon returning, CCSD will implement a two-week mandatory masking policy through January 17, 2023, for all students, staff, and anyone entering our buildings," McCombs said in a letter on Dec. 21. "NJDOH (the New Jersey Department of Health) has already reported an increase in COVID, flu, and RSV cases. Therefore, in an effort to be proactive and remain vigilant, all schools and offices will operate under a short mask mandate upon reopening."

Paterson Pubic Schools and the Passaic City School District have also re-instituted mask policies. Read more: Masks Return To 3 NJ School Districts As 'Tripledemic' Takes Toll

New Jersey's emergency rooms continue to fare better than the nation's as a whole. But this week, the state still reported its highest total of COVID hospitalizations since Feb. 11, when last winter's omicron wave was diminishing.

Federal health officials, meanwhile, continue to recommend masking up for indoor, public spaces in almost all of New Jersey. All but six counties in the state had "high" COVID community levels as of Thursday, according to the CDC.

Patch's Josh Bakan contributed to this report.