CAMDEN (KYW Newsradio) — Governor Phil Murphy says he is extending the state's COVID-19 public health emergency for what he plans to be the last time.
Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Camden) and Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-South Amboy) said in a joint announcement that the state's emergency will last for another 30 days, until mid-June.
They said if the New Jersey legislature agrees to new laws for the state's re-opening while still having necessary tools to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health emergency will not be renewed.
“In order to continue on the path to normalcy, we need all available resources to continue our progress in vaccinating New Jerseyans and finally beating back this pandemic," said Murphy in a statement.
The CDC recommended that vaccinated people do not need to wear masks or be physically distant except in particular circumstances, but that local and state governments could continue their own restrictions if necessary. New Jersey has masking requirements and gathering limits in effect among its statewide COVID-19 policies.
"Our Administration is working closely with Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin on legislation that will allow the public health emergency to expire, but ensure that we have the necessary tools and flexibility to continue the fight against the pandemic, including the vaccination efforts that are our highest priority."
"The new normal won’t be normal for some time. We have to make the best use of our resources, our abilities and our determination to address the needs of our citizens," Sweeney added.
“I am very encouraged by the data we are seeing and I look forward to a return to normalcy for the State of New Jersey and our over nine million residents,” said Coughlin.
"We will come back stronger than ever.”