United States: The governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, announced on Monday that the state is ending requirements that teachers, school employees, workers at child care facilities, state employees, and state contractors who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 must undergo regular testing for the virus.
Murphy signed an executive order on Monday lifting the state’s mandate that all school districts and state contractors ensure their employees are either vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive regular testing. The order comes days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) loosened its guidance on reducing the spread of the virus.
The order of Murphy takes effect immediately for schools and child care workers, but the effect is delayed to September 1 for state contractors.
Along with this, the governor mentioned in the statement, “Today’s executive order follows guidance from public health officials at the CDC regarding responsible steps states can take as we continue to adjust to the endemic reality of COVID-19. With children as young as six(6)-months old are now eligible for vaccines and millions of New Jerseyans vaccinated and boosted, more of our residents are safe from severe illness due to COVID-19.”
He added to the statement, “As always, I encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on their vaccination and take other precautions as necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones from this virus.”
Moreover, the CDC no longer recommends six feet of social distancing or quarantining for those who test positive for COVID-19 but do not experience symptoms. It also removed recommendations to require testing for students and staff at schools.
