On December 10th I initiated a dialogue with my colleagues on the possibility of implementing an indoor mask mandate in Montclair given the surge of COVID cases in our town and our region. Tomorrow night we will vote on a Resolution that would require masks be worn while indoors in public places regardless of vaccination status, effective immediately for the next 60 days.

This decision does not come lightly, but I feel that the simple act of putting on a mask while one is indoors in a public place is the least we can do to ensure we are protecting our most vulnerable residents. We simply do not know enough about the Omicron variant and the efficacy of our existing vaccines and it is better to be safe than sorry.

I cannot stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated and getting your booster as soon as you and your loved ones are eligible. Please also continue to get tested in accordance with CDC guidelines.

I hope that ultimately this decision will save lives and that Montclair will be seen as a safe place to come to shop, dine or see a show, knowing that we take both the virus and safety very seriously.