Gov. Murphy: New state reopening guidelines expected next week
Gov. Phil Murphy says that details about new state reopening guidelines are expected by the middle of next week. But as states like Connecticut open further, many are calling on the governor to fully reopen New Jersey’s economy.
•
Apr 21, 2021, 10:52 PM
•
Updated 1,192 days ago
Share:
More Stories
0:33
US Supreme Court rejects appeal on Rutgers University COVID-19 vaccine mandate case
32ds ago
Nobel in medicine goes to 2 scientists whose work enabled creation of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19
298ds ago0:21
Biden administration announces $600M to produce COVID tests and will reopen website to order them
310ds ago
Murphy administration: No plans to implement any COVID-19 restrictions
316ds ago0:39
Cape May hospital asking patients to wear mask amid COVID surge
317ds ago2:57
Lawmakers call for investigation, overhaul following DOJ report about NJ’s COVID response in veterans homes
319ds ago0:33
US Supreme Court rejects appeal on Rutgers University COVID-19 vaccine mandate case
32ds agoNobel in medicine goes to 2 scientists whose work enabled creation of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19
298ds ago0:21
Biden administration announces $600M to produce COVID tests and will reopen website to order them
310ds agoMurphy administration: No plans to implement any COVID-19 restrictions
316ds ago0:39
Cape May hospital asking patients to wear mask amid COVID surge
317ds ago2:57
Lawmakers call for investigation, overhaul following DOJ report about NJ’s COVID response in veterans homes
319ds agoGov. Phil Murphy says that details about new state reopening guidelines are expected by the middle of next week. But as states like Connecticut open further, many are calling on the governor to fully reopen New Jersey’s economy.
All remaining restrictions on businesses in Connecticut will end by May 19.
“We’re essentially going to end all remaining business restrictions,” Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced. “There won’t be any requirements regarding masks outside. We strongly recommend wearing the masks inside."
Lamont’s announcements are causing some Republicans in the New Jersey Legislature to call on Murphy to ease up in restrictions.
But Murphy has pushed back, saying on Wednesday that the state’s hospitalization numbers and rate of transmission are still not low enough.
“The numbers have gotten somewhat better over the past week to 10 days. They’re still not where we need them to be, but they are showing a trend that’s beginning to build in the right director,” Murphy said.
Murphy, Lamont and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had made early pandemic moves together. But Connecticut has been at 100% indoor dining for more than a month. And Murphy says that he has not spoken to Cuomo in some time.
VACCINE INFORMATION: Check to see if you are eligible
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION: Where and how to get vaccinated
“We never said we would move in concert. We never used that phrase. We said we would consult regularly,” Murphy said.
The governor said that his administration is planning major reopening guidance if COVID-19 numbers keep improving.
“Assuming they do and our prospects remain high, we’re going to give a pretty significant amount of guidance by early to mid-next week,” Murphy said.
But it was unclear how wide-ranging the reopening will be and when it will take effect.
“We don’t want to lurch. We’re the only state in America that has not lurched. In other words, gone forward and then had to pull something back. And we don’t want to start that now,” Murphy said.
Connecticut has about 40% of the population of New Jersey. The state reported 507 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Wednesday, compared to more than 2,100 in New Jersey.