Masks Will Be Optional For Summit Students, Staff Come March 7

SUMMIT, NJ — Masks will be optional for students, staff and visitors effective March 7 at Summit Public Schools, according to Superintendent Scott Hough's announcement on Wednesday.

Following Gov. Phil Murphy's recent announcement that he will lift the statewide mask mandate in schools beginning March 7, Summit Schools announced they will follow suit and make mask-wearing optional.

Murphy said this decision was made due to the dramatic decline in COVID numbers, lower hospitalizations, higher vaccination rates and a decrease in the severity of the virus in recent weeks.

In his message to the community, Hough said the New Jersey Department of Health is expected provide schools with updated guidance in the coming weeks pertaining to optional mask-wearing, which may also include updates on other protocols, such as contact tracing, isolation periods and quarantine lengths.

"We are hopeful that all aspects of the guidance are clarified and updated accordingly prior to March 7," Hough said. "We will be sure to communicate any additional information with our school community in a timely manner."

Hough added that while this recent news is encouraging, it is understandable that there may be mixed reactions from the community.

"Rest assured, our commitment to our students’ and staff members’ safety remains a priority," Hough said. "It is important to note that safety includes the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff."

Many other Union County school districts, such as Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Clark and Cranford, have decided to make masks optional come March 7. Westfield Public Schools have yet to make a firm decision on mask-wearing, as they continue to monitor COVID cases in their schools.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.

Get a free morning newsletter with news in Summit or another town: https://patch.com/subscribe