Social distancing reduced to three feet in schools, six everywhere else

Social distancing reduced to three feet in Schools, Six Everywhere Else

by
March 25, 2021
··

TRENTON, NJ – In New Jersey schools, three feet of separation is enough to defend against the spread of COVID-19, but in all other indoor places, six feet distance is still required.

That is the latest science coming out of the CDC and Trenton as Governor Phil Murphy announced today that students in New Jersey classrooms may move a little bit closer to each other.

Three feet of social distancing in school

“If masking and frequent hand-washing can be maintained by students and educators and support staff in a classroom, then full-time in-person instruction can begin with the distance between students within that classroom reduced to three feet,” Murphy declared today. “This updated social distancing guidance applies to all elementary grade levels across all levels of community transmission risk. It also applies to middle and high school grades at low and moderate risk levels.”

Returning to normal delayed yet again in New Jersey as Murphy pauses reopening
Murphy puts future reopenings on pause due to COVID-19 variant unknowns
Ciattarelli slammed for going maskless at Lakewood Campaign stop

If your community has a higher rate of transmission, then six feet distancing is required.

“In communities where the rate of transmission is listed by the department as high, six feet to the maximum extent practicable will remain the recommended standard social distance for middle and high schools,” Murphy said. “The guidance reiterates that for all schools regardless of grade or risk factor, six feet of distance is critical in indoor common areas when masking is not an option such as when students are eating and drinking in the school cafeteria.”

Murphy is now urging all schools in the state to return to in-person classrooms after the protocols currently in place have been successful in keeping the rate of transmission low in schools.

Phil Stilton
Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.

  1. Toms River Council President David Ciccozzi Says ‘I Don’t Know if I Can Keep Doing This’ During Emotional Council Meeting
  2. Jackson Resident Who Criticized Government Spending Visited by Code Enforcement Officer Days Later
  3. Jackson’s $40 Million McAuliffe School Sale in Jeopardy as Major Zoning Problem Emerges
  4. New Jersey’s Longest Day Is Almost Here — Don’t Let It Go To Waste