Senator Holly Schepisi is calling on Governor Murphy to lift the mask mandate that requires children to wear masks in outdoor settings.

Sen. Holly Schepisi is calling on Gov. Murphy to lift the mask mandate that requires children to wear masks in outdoor settings. (Pixabay)

“Data has consistently shown that the levels of COVID-19 transmission outdoors are extremely low,” said Schepisi (R-39). “In fact at the end of last summer, the NJ Commissioner of Health reported that with 746 active camps in the State only one camper tested positive for COVID. Despite this knowledge and despite his own Executive Order 175 which specifically provides that a child does not have to wear a mask when the individual is exposed to extreme heat outdoors, Governor Murphy is ignoring his own science and orders by still requiring that children wear masks outside during the hot and humid New Jersey summer. This is an irrational decision that does not align with any of the available data. It’s time to return this State to some semblance of normalcy, and allowing kids to leave the mask at home would be an important step forward.”

Under Governor Murphy’s new executive order, most of the remaining COVID restrictions will end Friday. Masks will no longer be required indoors, and social distancing requirements at restaurants, stores, gyms, and other businesses will be repealed. However, children will still be required to wear masks outdoors at youth summer camps, daycare centers, and schools.