Citing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the powers given to Municipalities by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 242, the Montclair Township Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a 30-day mask mandate for indoor public places, effective immediately. (Businesses can download a sign here.)
“Montclair is a place where we take scientific and medical expertise very seriously. With the rapidly spreading Omicron variant and many people, including children and young adults, still waiting to become eligible for booster shots, this simple step was the right one to take to protect our most vulnerable citizens and visitors,” said Councilor at Large Peter Yacobellis who was a driving force behind the mandate. “I hope people who frequent our gyms, salons, stores and restaurants can do so knowing that Montclair is a place that puts safety first. I also want people to feel a sense of hope. This is temporary to get us to a place where more people can get boosters, where testing is more easily available and where perhaps there are new medications available to treat COVID-19. These things are all in the pipeline. So please join me in seeing that light at the end of the tunnel. Stay safe, Montclair.”
The mask mandate does not apply to young children under age 2; a person with a disability who cannot wear a face covering or cannot safely wear a face covering for reasons related to the disability; a person for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidance; or a person while eating or drinking inside any establishment that serves food or beverages.
The face covering requirement also does not apply to certain gatherings, including religious services and political activities, which are constitutionally protected activities.
Although the mandate will remain in effect for 30 days, the Township will have the opportunity to extend it when they meet before its expiration.
I’m all for masks and shots when directed by experts but why are small town politicians issuing orders. Annoying
They are directed by experts. Just put the stupid mask on and forget about it. The health care workers where you will be taken in an ambulance wear them for 13 hours at a time. You can deal. Let’s not be selfish.
The town council’s vote on mandatory masking was unanimous. We are lucky to have such forward thinking leaders; while other cities fail their citizens by not taking action, Montclair is one of just six to take proactive measures. In fact, a stunning number of New Jersey municipalities (more than 550!) have not taken such action. Proving once again that Montclair’s progressive character is more than just coffee talk and yard signs; it means action! Thank you, Council!
I am wearing mask, and yes, it’s stupid. I’m also fully vaxxed. Once can by COVID conscientious and not respect every dumb rule handed down by local politicos.
NYC doesn’t require mask with proof of vaccination. Neither do (evidently) 446 + other NJ townships. Which experts is the enlightened Montclair council heeding that those others are dummies ignore at their peril?
The unanimous vote is not a good sign. It just demonstrates Montclair’s dangerous lack of intellectual diversity; its “progressive character” all the way down.