Mask Mandate Optional March 7, Fair Lawn Schools Plan

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Face masks will no longer be required at Fair Lawn Public Schools beginning next month, the district superintendent said Tuesday.

Superintendent Nicholas J. Norcia announced masks will be optional for students, staff, and visitors beginning March 7. This is the same date Governor Phil Murphy announced as the day the public health emergency will end, and the state school mask mandate will drop.

"Once we receive the updated guidance [from the Department of Health], we will update our protocols to align with masks being optional beginning March 7," Norcia said. "While we all know we have watched the pandemic rear its ugly head several times, we will not let our guard down. We will continue to monitor the numbers should we head in the other direction and if required, we will reassess our mask policy."

Norcia said that those who still wish to wear a face mask may do so.

"I am pleased that this decision was made for March 7, ten days after our February Winter Recess, when the weather improves, windows are starting to open, numbers continue to decline, and outdoor lunches resume," he said. "Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of two long years!"