‘We’ll get there’: Gov. Murphy says NJ isn’t ready yet to reopen churches

While President Donald Trump says he wants to move forward with reopening churches. Gov. Phil Murphy says New Jersey is not ready.

News 12 Staff

May 24, 2020, 7:38 PM

Updated 1,437 days ago

Share:

While President Donald Trump says he wants to move forward with reopening churches. Gov. Phil Murphy says New Jersey is not ready.

Tension between the White House and New Jersey's governor arose this weekend over a disagreement between when houses of worship should open. Gov. Murphy says the state still needs more time before that can happen.

"I actually spoke to the president late in the day Friday—we'll get there on houses of worship. We have opened outdoor limits to 25 people. We will get to indoor activities probably sooner than later and that…probably at the top of this list. I want to do that, I personally want to do that. But we've got to do it right and at the right pace," Murphy said.
MORE COVERAGE:  LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond 

Murphy added that day care is on the top of the list as well. Parents across the state have still been working from home without child care. Some day cares have been allowed to be open, but many others have not.

"We understand we can't open up our economy—as we have begun to do already and continue to do and not give working parents an opportunity to have their kids looked after. Right now, we only have it limited to health care workers and first responders, my guess is we will have to open that up sooner than later," Murphy said.

Most beaches across the state opened this weekend. Gov. Murphy said it's still too early to tell, but people in New Jersey have mostly been following social distancing guidelines.

"For the most part, people in New Jersey have been extraordinary for going on 2.5-plus months. And I fully expect them to continue on the beaches. Even when mother nature begins to cooperate with weather," said Murphy.
PHOTOS: Your Coronavirus Photos
undefined


More from News 12
1:38
Jersey City police: Man killed in overnight shooting

Jersey City police: Man killed in overnight shooting

1:56
STORM WATCH: Cloudy with cooler temps in New Jersey; tracking evening rain showers

STORM WATCH: Cloudy with cooler temps in New Jersey; tracking evening rain showers

0:49
Brian Lora, Passaic police officer and relative of mayor, dies at 29

Brian Lora, Passaic police officer and relative of mayor, dies at 29

0:34
Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

Police: Grandfather, 6-month-old grandson killed by fallen tree in Verona

New Jersey seeks fourth round of offshore wind farm proposals as foes push back

New Jersey seeks fourth round of offshore wind farm proposals as foes push back

0:43
Repairs underway at Cedar Grove pharmacy where tractor-trailer crashed into building

Repairs underway at Cedar Grove pharmacy where tractor-trailer crashed into building

0:27
Recall alert: Over 80,000 pounds of prosciutto recalled from Lincoln Park firm

Recall alert: Over 80,000 pounds of prosciutto recalled from Lincoln Park firm

0:29
Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

Prosecutors: Man, woman charged with leaving 2 toddlers in car while attending a wine tasting

1:27
Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

Best of New Jersey: A taste of Italy at Matera's Italian Market in Rutherford

0:35
Prosecutors: 2 drivers charged with vehicular homicide in fatal Route 35 crash in Eatontown

Prosecutors: 2 drivers charged with vehicular homicide in fatal Route 35 crash in Eatontown

0:28
Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

Cliffside Park man accused of leaving fire burning inside his apartment

0:23
E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

E-ZPass warns of text message scam targeting customers

0:24
Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program

Need a ride for an appointment? Monmouth County introduces wellness transportation program

0:23
Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

Looking to complain about the smelly Tinton Falls landfill? There's a number for that

0:16
Ridgewood school district announces extended Memorial Day weekend thanks to unused snow days

Ridgewood school district announces extended Memorial Day weekend thanks to unused snow days

8:55
Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success

Guide: Ways to set your child up for financial success

6:00
be Well: ‘Breakfast Club’ comedian Jess Hilarious opens up about how she’s preparing for motherhood

be Well: ‘Breakfast Club’ comedian Jess Hilarious opens up about how she’s preparing for motherhood

1:51
New Jersey sees more than 150 aftershocks since April 5 4.8 magnitude earthquake

New Jersey sees more than 150 aftershocks since April 5 4.8 magnitude earthquake

0:29
Officials: Former Rutgers football player killed in shooting incident in Hoboken

Officials: Former Rutgers football player killed in shooting incident in Hoboken

0:45
Jersey Proud: Make-A-Wish celebrates 44th anniversary with ‘World Wish Day’

Jersey Proud: Make-A-Wish celebrates 44th anniversary with ‘World Wish Day’