Sen. Pennacchio: NJ School Mask Mandate Is ‘Devoid Of Science’ – Patch.com

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Republican state senator who represents three towns in Essex County is blasting the state’s new mask requirement for schools, calling it “devoid of any science and data.”

On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey students, educators, staff and visitors will once again be wearing face masks in school buildings – regardless of vaccination status – when the new school year begins in September.

“We will continue to closely monitor the science and data and will lift this mandate when we can do so safely,” Murphy said.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio, a Republican who represents the 26th district in the state Legislature, including North Caldwell, West Caldwell and Verona, didn’t mince words on Friday after the news broke.

“Today’s edict is devoid of any science and data in its support” Pennacchio charged.

“The sad fact is masks inhibit communication in classrooms and obstruct learning,” Pennacchio said Friday. “My Republican colleagues and I held a virtual hearing on masks, and we heard from experts who asserted that masks in school are more trouble than they are worth.”

The stance runs contrary to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

“This is yet another unilateral mandate announced by the governor that ignores the elected Legislature and the role of parents in protecting their children,” Pennacchio said Friday. “Now is not the time to revert to unjustified mask mandates.”

Pennacchio has been a consistent critic of how Murphy has handled the coronavirus pandemic, including nursing homes and open public records.

The state’s 26th district includes Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell and West Milford.

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