Masks Again Required In All Public Buildings

Posted August 30th 2021

As cases for the Delta variant of COVID-19 continue to grow, a number of mask mandates have been put in place throughout Cape May County. As of Aug. 9, Avalon and Stone Harbor released updated mandates requiring masks in all public buildings. The mandate is for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

The Borough of Avalon reinstated the mandate, requiring visitors to all public buildings including Borough Hall, Public Works, Community Hall (except when participating in fitness activities), and the Public Safety Complex. In addition, masks are now again required for all public meetings including Council, Planning/Zoning Board, and further public gatherings.

“The masks are precautionary and necessary due to the sharp increase in the number of residential cases of coronavirus during the late summer months,” said Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “We all remain hopeful that this is a temporary situation. We will continue to rely on guidance from the CDC and the Cape May Department of Health for any decisions that become necessary.”

The Borough of Stone Harbor also reinstated the mandate requiring the use of masks for all visitors to any public buildings, including Borough Hall, Public Works, Recreational Buildings, Stone Harbor Fire Department, Stone Harbor Police Department, and the Beach Patrol Building. Employees will also be required to wear masks while working within these buildings, when 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.

“The Borough of Stone Harbor is following the recommendation by the State of New Jersey that protective masks be worn indoors,” Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour said. “Per the CDC’s data site, Cape May County is currently classified as a high transmission area, so the mask requirement in public buildings, regardless of vaccination status, is a precautionary measure that protects our constituents and employees. We will continue to monitor this situation and will follow the recommendations by the State of New Jersey and the CDC.”

As COVID cases continue to rise through the end of summer and into fall, updates will be posted to any regulations and mandates at both avalonboro.net and shnj.org.