As the New Jersey and the United States continue the process of moving to post-pandemic conditions, questions about visual and performing arts activities abound. Many questions still exist for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Although the New Jersey is reaching a higher level of vaccinated adults, the vaccination rates for those ages 12-17 remains lower and students under the age of 12 do not have any access to vaccinations. Importance will need to be placed on local respiratory disease transmission rates for use of mitigations. Depending on developments with respect to variants such as the Delta variant and other potential risk factor enhancements, this guidance is meant to provide some best practices for arts education as New Jersey emerges from the pandemic.

On August 6, 2021 Governor Murphy announced the signing of Executive Order 251 which requires that “all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.” The Executive Order (EO) 251, which will mandate masking in the indoor premises of all public, private, and parochial preschool, elementary, and secondary school buildings, with limited exceptions. The EO is effective on Monday, August 9, 2021. 

Regardless of local conditions, proper hygiene and ventilation strategies should be a priority for all schools at all times. 

The Arts Ed NJ Guidance has been developed based on the policies, guidance, research and recommendations available as of this date. As conditions change this guidance will be updated to reflect current state executive orders and agency recommendations .