Paterson schools to bring back mask mandate in the new year

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- New Jersey's fourth largest school district is bringing back an old mandate in the new year.

Starting January 3, Paterson School District will be requiring everyone who enters into a school building to wear a face mask.

The mandate will be reinstated as students and staff return from their winter break.

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Superintendent of Schools, Eileen Shafer, notified families on December 22 of the change. She cited rising numbers of COVID-19, RSV and flu cases across Passaic County in her decision.

The Passaic School District reinstated its mask mandate just before its holiday break.