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At his regular coronavirus briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy did not reveal the names of the schools and their plans.
The co-chair of his restart and recovery task force, former Princeton University president Dr. Shirley Tilghman, said she was concerned about colleges returning to in-person classes, where students could spread the virus.
“I am a little concerned about the universities and the colleges restarting, those who are trying to start in person. Frankly, it’s the wrong demographic. Eighteen to 22-year-olds, their prefrontal cortex is not fully developed and I think we do have to worry to a certain extent," Tilghman said.
Murphy said the rate of virus transmission was 0.85, the third day it was below the key benchmark of 1.0.
He said New Jersey’s coronavirus metrics were trending in the right direction to the point where the state could begin to consider loosening restrictions on indoor dining and opening indoor gyms.
“Sustained data that’s good is what we’re looking for, and we think we’re getting into that neighborhood right now,” Murphy said. “I’m not going to marry myself to a date yet. But the data is unquestionably good of late.”
The governor is also preparing his revised budget for the nine-month fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, which will be delivered Tuesday morning at SHI Stadium on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway.
Murphy Monday declined to offer specifics, but said his budget plan involves tightening expenses, raising revenue, borrowing money and calling on Washington to provide direct federal cash.