New Jersey Mask Mandates Lifted In Public Schools

By Victoria Cifelli | Published March 24, 2022

Dr. Lamont Repollet announced to the Kean community in an email on March 4 that the University will lift the mask mandate on April 1, and make it optional.

This comes on the heels of Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement on Feb. 7 that on March 7, masks will no longer be required in public schools and daycare centers due to the decline of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.

            Although public schools and universities have been enforcing mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy stated that each school district can make its own decision for students and staff regarding masks.

“Our University has reached a milestone in this pandemic. In the past two consecutive weeks, none of our residential students tested positive for COVID-19, and cases have continued to plummet across our campus, our state, and the country,” Repollet said in the email to the Kean community. “As a result, and in accordance with Federal health guidelines, effective Friday, April 1, Kean will become mask optional in most circumstances,” Repollet said.

Repollet said in his email that masks can still be worn if individuals still feel more comfortable wearing them. Adding that because students will be traveling during Spring Break, the university has made the decision to wait until April 1 to implement this change.

Many students who have family members who are immunocompromised will likely choose to wear a mask, such as Robyn Epstein, a Communication major at Kean.

            “I would still wear a mask personally just because I do live in a household with underlying health conditions. I am not super worried about me but worried for my family but thankfully we are all vaccinated,” Epstein said.

Kean student Ateka Kanji spoke about the bright sides of having the mask mandates lifted on campus.

            “We would finally be able to see the people we are talking to and we would be able to hear people better. The downs would be that we can be around people who are sick and we would not even know. The mask protects us in a way,” Kanji said.

There are many reminders on campus for students and staff to keep their masks on, unless they are eating or drinking in common areas. Places such as classrooms and restrooms also post these reminders to help individuals keep themselves and others safe.

In the case of another outbreak, Margaret McCory Vice President of University Relations, addresses that Kean University is prepared to take all steps to maintain safety among students and staff.

“Kean University follows guidance from federal and state health officials,” McCory said.

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