Pandemic Recovery Update - May 18, 2021

NJIT Community Members,

As NJIT moves toward a resumption of normal campus activities in Fall 2021, we will rely on the three pillars of our Pandemic Recovery Plan--adherence to governmental mandates, reliance on guidance from health experts and agencies, and our own collective informed judgment-- and apply these principles to safely bring our community back together. Throughout the pandemic, the NJIT plan has been nimble, allowing appropriate and rapid changes when required. To that end, today we announce the following:

Outdoor Mask Mandate Lifted

Yesterday, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 241 lifting the mandate for masks or face coverings for all individuals in outdoor public spaces, regardless of their ability to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals or groups, and regardless of their vaccination status. The CDC has continued to emphasize that outdoor environments pose a lesser risk of transmission of the virus than indoor environments, and this removal of the mask mandate outdoors is consistent with those guidelines. Therefore, based on this governmental directive and guidance, NJIT will lift the outdoor mask mandate on our campus. Individuals who feel more comfortable wearing masks outdoors can continue to do so.

Indoor Mask Mandate Remains

For the time being, the requirement to wear masks indoors in all public locations or common areas at NJIT remains in effect, regardless of your vaccination status, subject only to exceptions that have previously existed, such as when employees are at distanced workstations or in their own offices or when eating or drinking. We anticipate that, as we reach our 50% return to work milestone on May 31, an additional exception to the mask rule will apply for all participants in small indoor gatherings voluntarily disclosing that they are fully vaccinated per updated CDC guidelines.

Vaccination Town Hall Meeting

As a reminder, on Wednesday, May 19 at 2:30 PM, NJIT will host a “Virtual Town Hall” meeting to provide information about the currently authorized vaccines. All attendees must register for the event in advance. Campus Health Services will present up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination topics. Faculty from the Federated Department of Biological Sciences at NJIT will participate in a panel discussion to review the science behind these vaccines and provide some clarity for those that may remain cautious or skeptical. To register for the information session, click here.

Domestic Travel Quarantine Lifted

In addition, Governor Phil Murphy announced the lifting of New Jersey’s travel advisory, which outlined quarantine and testing recommendations for those coming to New Jersey following interstate travel. Members of the NJIT community and visitors to campus who have recently been outside of New Jersey should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) protocols regarding quarantine and testing following domestic travel.

The quarantine and testing requirements for those coming to New Jersey from international locations remain in effect. All travel still requires Vice President approval. For more information, visit the CDC website.

NJIT will continue to communicate guidance for resuming a vibrant community, which will serve as the framework for ensuring a safe and meaningful experience for all as we fully return to campus for Fall 2021. Your continued support and cooperation is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Andrew P. Christ, PE
Senior Vice President
Real Estate Development and Capital Operations