BRICK – Governor Phil Murphy had some good news and some bad news during his May 17 COVID-19 briefing.
The good news is, masks will no longer be required for anyone at outdoor public places, such as at parks and farmers’ markets.
The bad news is, rules for wearing masks in indoor public spaces and workplaces will remain for the time being since many of New Jersey residents are still unvaccinated.
However, there is no indoor mask requirement for individuals at small indoor gatherings in private residences.
“We are going to be able to take off our masks indoors in the not-so-distant future, as more and more people complete their vaccination,” he said.
The governor said rules for wearing masks indoors must remain in place to avoid a backslide in the progress in the fight against COVID-19.
“This is not forever and always,” he said about wearing masks inside. “We just need more time on the clock.”
The governor also extended the public health crisis emergency for another 30 days until mid-June, which he said should be the final time.
Mayor John G. Ducey wrote a letter dated May 5 to NJ Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher, asking the secretary to revisit an April 30 state edict requiring masks at outdoor farmers’ markets.
