Kids Shouldn't Be 'Singled Out' With NJ Mask Mandate: Bateman

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Republican Senator Kip Bateman, who represents much of Somerset County, said Governor Phil Murphy's decision to require kids to continue wearing masks in schools is a mistake.

"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."

Murphy expects younger schoolchildren to continue wearing masks this fall because kids under 12 remain ineligible for the vaccines.

The state will eliminate its indoor mask mandate Friday for most settings. But Murphy will exclude areas such as health-care settings, longterm-care facilities, public transit and homeless shelters.

The change also won't extend to childcare centers and facilities, such as schools, as per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. Kids will also need masks for summer camps.

Murphy told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that parents of children and preteens should expect children to continue wearing masks at school when they return in fall.

State officials will issue guidance next month for fall schooling. But Murphy's "guess" is that little will change on masks for those younger than 12.

"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."

Bateman isn't the only state official calling on Murphy to change this mask mandate for kids. Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn and Assemblyman Brian Bergen, both Republicans, also said the mandate is a "joke." Read More: NJ School Mask Mandate A 'Joke,' Republican Critics Say

— Additional reporting by Josh Bakan

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