the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 241 eliminating the requirement of masks in outdoor public spaces, which was established under Executive Order No. 163 (2020). The Order reaffirms the masking requirement in indoor public spaces and workplaces, but clarifies that individuals at small gatherings in private residences are not required to wear masks indoors.
“New Jersey is making incredible progress towards our vaccination goals and our COVID-19 case numbers continue to trend downwards, allowing us to eliminate the need for masks outdoors,” said Governor Murphy. “Outdoor environments pose a lesser risk of transmission of the virus than indoor settings, and lifting the indoor mask mandate at this time could lead to a rise in transmission among those not yet fully vaccinated, including children who are either not yet eligible or who have just recently become eligible. As we approach our vaccination target in the coming weeks, we expect to be able to safely lift the indoor mask requirement soon.”
The order notes that outdoor public spaces do not include child care centers, other child care facilities, youth summer camps, and public, private, and parochial preschool program premises, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools. Current recommendations and requirements regarding masking in those settings will remain in effect.
Additionally, any masking requirements for outdoor spaces in healthcare settings and at congregate facilities, such as long-term care facilities and State correctional facilities, will remain in place.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 241, please click here.
I am so grateful that the state is allowing me to not wear a mask in my home.
I am especially grateful since I live alone.
It has been a burden for the past year.
I just hope they allow me to hug my grandchildren again before I die.
If you live alone and have been under the belief that you have had to wear a mask at home, then all I can say is you’re stark raving bonkers.
If you were ever under the belief that wearing a mask will stop the virus, then all I can say is you’re stark raving bonkers.
Why is Village Hall closed to residents? They don’t answer email and calls all go to voicemail.
Schools meet in person & restaurants are open. Why can’t public service employees get back to normal.
The DMV is also a mess. Civil service run amok. Don’t criticize low pay workers for not wanting to go back. Our highly paid (full benefits) workers won’t do their job.