Masks Might Be Optional In Westfield Schools Starting March 7

WESTFIELD, NJ — On the heels of Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement to end the mask mandate in all New Jersey public schools, Westfield Public Schools announced that the district is optimistic that masks will become optional as cases continue to decrease.

In an email to the school community, Superintendent Dr. Raymond González said the district remains "cautiously optimistic" that the COVID activity in the Westfield Schools will continue to decrease and that the vaccination rate for eligible students will continue to rise.

Murphy announced Monday afternoon that mandate would be lifted due to the dramatic decline in COVID cases, transmission rates and hospitalizations, as well as an increase in vaccination rates in the state. Murphy is leaving it up to individual districts' discretion whether they want to keep the mask mandate or not.

Many Union County schools, including Cranford, Clark and Scotch Plains-Fanwood, have decided to make masks optional starting March 7.

González said the mask policy could be adjusted in the future if conditions worsen at the classroom, grade, school or district levels.

The district will continue to share information from the Westfield Regional Health Department and District Physician about upcoming events.

There will be a free pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics for 5-11 year olds Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the Casano Community Center on 314 Chestnut Street in Roselle Park and on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 1-3 p.m. at the Westfield Memorial Library.

Residents can also visit the Westfield Regional Health Department website at www.westfieldnj.gov/health for a full listing of clinics or call (908) 789-4070 ext. 4075 to schedule an appointment.

"I am eager to return a sense of normalcy to our schools as soon and safely as possible;
however, we’ve come too far to rush this," González said. "So, for the next four weeks, we will work diligently to ensure that any adjustments to our existing COVID protocols and mitigation strategies are appropriate to current conditions."

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