TOMS RIVER, NJ – Toms River’s school district has pulled the plug on Phil Murphy’s mandatory mask order. The district, which is the state’s second-largest follows nearby Jackson Township in dropping the mandate.
Toms River school board officials have opposed Murphy’s extended mask mandate for students and after Murphy signaled on Monday that students can be given a pass on mask wearing during hot summer days, the district jumped at the opportunity.
“Following Governor Murphy’s recent announcement which eases mask restrictions in cases of extreme heat, the district will make the wearing of masks optional effective June 9, and for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. This pertains to all environments– on buses, outdoors, and in all classrooms and common areas. Staff and students who choose to continue wearing masks are encouraged to do so, and the district remains committed to its ongoing efforts ensuring our schools are safe and healthy,” the district said.