Many New Jersey residents still not comfortable going maskless in the pandemic

Just because the CDC says that it is safe, does not mean that everyone in New Jersey feels comfortable taking off their masks – even if they are fully vaccinated.

News 12 Staff

May 14, 2021, 2:27 AM

Updated 1,242 days ago

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday announced that people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors.
It was welcome news to many, with President Joe Biden saying that it was a “great day for America.”
But just because the CDC says that it is safe, does not mean that everyone in New Jersey feels comfortable taking off their masks – even if they are fully vaccinated.
“I don’t think we’ve reached that point yet. I think we should give it a little more time,” says Derrick Moore, of Piscataway. “Eventually everything will open up and we can be without masks. But for me, personally, I’m not ready to do that yet.”
Moore’s feelings were similar to others around the state.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You never know,” says James Genteel, of Piscataway.
Despite the CDC ruling, the indoor mask mandate is still in effect for New Jersey until Gov. Phil Murphy lifts the executive order. A spokesperson for the Murphy administration says that the governor is reviewing the new guidelines and will be making a decision.
But some doctors tell News 12 New Jersey that they are excited about the new guidelines.
“A lot of it has to do with the percentage of people being vaccinated. As more Americans are vaccinated, the infection rate for the COVID-19 virus is going down,” says Dr. Amit Agarwal.
Agarwal says that even with the new guidelines, New Jersey may still see stores requiring patrons to wear masks.
“If there are some businesses, for example grocery stores or coffee shops, that require for you to wear a mask, you must abide by the rule,” Agarwal says.
Some store owners tell News 12 that they will wait to see what the governor decides when it comes to the mask mandate.