Masks Optional This Week Amid Excessive Heat In Lacey Schools

LACEY, NJ — Ahead of students’ return to Lacey Township schools on Tuesday, the district announced that masks would be optional this week amid excessive heat on all school buses and buildings where air conditioning is not fully functional.

In the district’s health and safety guidance released last week, Superintendent Vanessa Clark said school principals would continue to monitor the heat each day, especially in September and October, to determine whether indoor conditions warrant the optional use of masks.

In a letter to parents on Friday, the district said the status of mask-wearing would be announced on a weekly basis — not on a daily basis as originally stated in the school’s health and safety guidance. Read more: Lacey School District Releases Reopening Plan

“As outlined in the LTSD Health and Safety Guidance and in accordance with exceptions outlined in Executive Order 251 (EO 251), due to the projected excessive heat inside some of our buildings and on all school buses, the wearing of masks in non-air-conditioned spaces, while still recommended, will be optional from September 7 through September 10,” Clark said.

The communication will continue for the upcoming week and for the foreseeable future on Friday of the preceding week.

The exemption includes buildings where air conditioning is available but not fully functional. Though face masks are still required for all students and staff in spaces that are fully air-conditioned.

“We understand parents may want their children to continue to wear a face mask regardless of temperature, and they should clearly communicate their expectations to their children,” Clark said.

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