NJ School Mask Mandate A 'Joke,' Republican Critics Say

Correction: Fifteen people under age 25 died from COVID-19 in New Jersey in 2020.

NEW JERSEY — Two New Jersey Assembly members, who represent much of Morris County, called out Gov. Phil Murphy for continuing the mask mandate in schools. Murphy expects younger schoolchildren to continue wearing masks this fall because kids under 12 remain ineligible for the vaccines.

Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn called the continued mask mandate "an outrage," while Assemblyman Brian Bergen called Murphy's announcement "a joke." Bergan and Dunn — both Republicans — represent New Jersey's 25th District.

“I think the governor is dreaming if he plans to have the unilateral authority to mask our children in schools this fall,” Bergen said in a statement. “If he does have that much authority, and our state Legislature is still sitting on their hands, I would be shocked. I mean, how long can Democrats in the legislature tolerate being completely irrelevant?”

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.

Dunn argued that it's time to lift the mask mandate for kids, citing that only 15 people under age 25 in New Jersey died from COVID-19 in 2020. (Children can spread the virus.)

“It’s an outrage for our caucus and for parents across the state,” Dunn said in a statement. “To these mothers and fathers out there: we see you, we hear you, and we’re fighting to end this senseless mask mandate for our children.”

Pfizer began a COVID vaccine trial for children 6 months to 11 years in late March, while Moderna began tests with the same age group in April. But it's unknown when the age group may become eligible.

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