COVID-19 in schools

Forcing kids to wear masks in school has been one of the most divisive pandemic policies implemented by Gov. Phil Murphy. He is now suggesting that mandate could be lifted before the end of the school year.

In an effort to keep schools open for in-person learning, the NJ Dept. of Health is revising quarantine guidelines for students and staff members who test positive for COVID or have been exposed to the virus.

Bergen County has the highest number of outbreaks, with 47. Atlantic, Monmouth, and Morris Counties are all reporting 30 or more outbreaks.

Determined to finish the school year with as many school kids on classrooms as possible, the Murphy administration is considering a "test and stay" program.

One New Jersey school district is pushing back on strict quarantine rules in defiance of state rules.

U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty agreed the mask mandate may be a hardship and may have some educational disadvantages, but ruled the mandate was not in violation of the New Jersey State Constitution.

Gov. Phil Murphy is essentially forcing parents to make a choice between keeping mask mandates in place in New Jersey schools or getting their young children vaccinated.

The push to get kids as young as five vaccinated against COVID in New Jersey will extend into Garden State schools.

As the number of COVID infections increases in New Jersey schools, state health officials are welcoming news the FDA is on the verge of approving a vaccine for kids as young as 5.

Vaccination rates are up and the number of COVID cases in New Jersey continues to fall, so what's next as we head into the Autumn season?