Judges have turned down two attempts to block COVID-19 mandates in New Jersey.
A state judge denied a Republican request to halt a requirement to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative test to enter the state House. Friday's ruling doesn’t look likely to be the final word on the matter, as the judge also set an April 2022 hearing date to consider arguments.
The GOP challenge sought to block a mandate for proof of vaccination or a negative test set by a joint commission that manages the statehouse complex. The judge’s order follows confusion last week as roughly a dozen Republican Assembly members sought to enter the voting chamber without showing the required proof or test.
State police initially blocked them, then let them enter.
Meanwhile, a federal judge has ruled that New Jersey’s mask mandate for students does not violate the United States Constitution. The judge turned down an attempt to block the requirement earlier this week.
Attorneys for a group of students and parents filed a request to end the mandate, saying that forcing kids to wear masks for the entire school day is unnecessary.
The judge said that the mandate is a rational way to control the spread of the virus.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.