Murphy said it applies when social distancing is not possible
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order today – July 8 – requiring the wearing of face coverings by everyone when they are in outdoor public spaces and social distancing is not practical.
“This is absolutely vital when individuals find themselves in a crowded situation such as when walking down a packed boardwalk or a line is not properly space apart,” the governor said at his Wednesday afternoon press COVID-19 press conference. “The only exceptions for this requirement will be … individual who are clearly eating or drinking at an outdoor dining establishment,” those for whom a face covering poses a health risk and children under the age of 2 years old.
He said he was proud New Jersey was the first state to require face coverings in indoor businesses as the state gradually reopened them. “That was the right call from the get-go,” he said. “It has saved lives.”
Murphy said he had hoped he would not have to take the step to require masks outdoors because the state’s residents had been “outstanding” in their use of masks and social distancing. However, the state has been backsliding in health metrics – the rate of transmission of the coronavirus has risen – and with the warmer weather people are not wearing masks as much.
Wearing masks, he said, is not about politics, “it’s about quite simply being sick or being healthy, it’s about life and death, it’s about showing others that you care about their health. That is all the more important for people who have not been tested and could be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus.
He reminded New Jersey’s residents there is no vaccine, no proven therapeutic and no cure. There is social distancing, covering faces and good hygiene.
He said everyone must rally together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s common sense for the common good,” Murphy said.
Help for restaurants
Restaurants that have at least two open sides, comprising 50 percent of wall space, will be considered outdoors and may reopen for in-person service. He cited the restaurants’ air flow.
He said he was pleased other states were following New Jersey’s leads in stopping indoor dining.
