the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Senator Michael Doherty (R-23) issued the following statement in response to Governor Phil Murphy’s continuing mask mandates:
“I support an immediate end to all mask mandates for children, students, and adults.
“As most people are likely aware, the governor announced that his mask restrictions will soon be lifted for adults in many indoor and outdoor settings.
“Unfortunately, children attending school, daycare, and summer camp are not among those who will be permitted to unmask under Governor Murphy’s latest executive order.
“Governor Murphy even said he expects to maintain mask mandates when children return to school in the fall. When children face little risk from the virus and concerned adults will have had ample opportunity to get vaccinated, that’s utterly ridiculous.
“In some cases, the governor is actually imposing stricter restrictions on children going forward, including those who will attend summer camps, by not updating outdated rules.
“While children have been allowed to play sports, including wrestling, football, and soccer, without masks for months, they will be forced to wear masks while playing outside at camp under old rules in place since last summer. That makes absolutely no sense.
“That’s why I’m joining as a sponsor of legislation that will be introduced to prohibit requirements that children wear masks at school, daycare, or summer camp.
“Enough is enough, it’s time for everyone, including our kids, to unmask.”
Senator Kip Bateman said the Governor’s decision to require kids to continue wearing masks is a mistake that needs to be addressed immediately.
“This was an unforced error by the Governor,” said Bateman. “The masks are on; the masks are off. Most don’t need a mask, but some, including children, do. New Jersey residents have been enduring this for 14 months. They are confused, frustrated and fed up.”
Under Murphy’s latest executive order, most of the remaining COVID restrictions will end Friday. However, children attending schools, daycare centers and summer camps must continue to wear masks.
“Our children shouldn’t be singled out with an unnecessary requirement. There’s no reason for it,” said Bateman. “The best thing the Governor could do right now is quit micromanaging everything and remove all restrictions,” Bateman said.
Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano of the 10th Legislative District are sponsoring a bill that would eliminate the mask mandate for schoolchildren.
“When the Governor made his grand announcement about removing restrictions in time for the Memorial Day Weekend, parents were stunned that school students would still be required to wear masks,” said Holzapfel. “There is no justification for forcing kids to remain masked. Children and young people are less likely to be impacted by the virus, and they generally have mild cases if they do become infected. The masks are overkill at this point. Ultimately, parents should have a choice as to whether or not their child wears a mask in school.”
On Monday, Murphy signed an executive order that takes effect on Friday. Masks will no longer be required indoors, and social distancing requirements at restaurants, stores, gyms and other businesses will be repealed.
“What is the logic in allowing adults to be unmasked at bars and on dancefloors, which is long overdue, yet our children still need to remain masked up and distant during the school day?” questioned McGuckin. “School districts across the state are finalizing plans for summer programs to compensate for the pandemic’s impact on learning. Under our bill, the students, without their masks, would be in better position to make up for the lost classroom time. Unnecessary masks shouldn’t stand in the way of education.”
When is Village Hall opening?
They will not let the residents in. Library has been open, stores are open. Schools are open.
I heard next week it opens.
Follow the
sciencepolitics.Time to #EndTheScamdemic
It’s usefulness is greatly diminished.