As cases of COVID-19 begin to increase in schools around the state, Gov. Phil Murphy was adamant that he has no plans to allow for a remote learning option this year.

The governor addressed the issue at his COVID-19 briefing in Trenton on Monday. He says that studies have shown that children learn better when their classes are in person.

“The option of learning loss association with virtual learning is not an acceptable option. We have got to, assuming again, assuming that we can be safe, we’ve got to keep kids physically in person,” Murphy said.

A group of parents have been pushing for a virtual learning option for students this year. A petition has thousands of signatures.

Murphy said that his decision will only change if COVID-19 numbers “go south” in a big way.