Princeton Public Schools district returns to universal masking

Public schools in Princeton are returning to universal masking today, May 16, as positive COVID-19 cases increase in the area. Masks are required for all indoor activities and classes, as well as on school buses.

District officials are following guidance from the Princeton Department of Health to re-instate masks. The decision is based on the high COVID Activity Level Index score in the area, and concerns about in-school transmission. Staffing levels due to positive cases are also a concern, officials said.

“PPS does not want to be in a position where the district would be required to move to a remote-only option for any of our schools, which would have a negative impact on students’ social-emotional and educational needs,” Superintendent Carol Kelley said in an email to families.

Staff and students are not required to wear masks outdoors.

As of Sunday evening, 777 people with COVID-19 were being treated in hospitals in New Jersey. There were 3,434 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, three new lab-confirmed deaths, and two deaths reported by hospitals. In Mercer County, 147 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed by the state, and another 24 cases were deemed probable.