By Allison Perrine
NEW JERSEY – Under warm sunny skies Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Phil Murphy outlined a plan for New Jerseyans to have a successful summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, Murphy announced three new initiatives to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccines, including those who live, work or study in the state. The news came the same day state indoor and outdoor gathering limitations were eased or removed as part of the transition to reopen the state.
“In a little bit more than a week, we will be welcoming the unofficial start of another Jersey summer. And to make sure that we’re able to have a healthy and successful season in every community, our Operation Jersey Summer is in full swing to make sure we get as many New Jerseyans ages 12 and up vaccinated against COVID,” said Murphy.
To encourage more people to get vaccinated, Murphy announced a “Vax and Visit” initiative for residents who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July 4. Those who do will be eligible for a free season “State Parks Vax Pass” for entrance to any of the state’s parks for the remainder of 2021. That includes entrance to the 51 state parks, forests and recreation areas which have parking or entrance fees, Murphy said.
“A season pass would normally cost you $50 but the State Parks Vax Pass is free for doing the right thing and getting vaccinated to help us end this pandemic,” said Murphy. “You can visit as often as you’d like.”
Starting May 27, anyone interested in entering can visit nj.gov/vaxandvisit to register for a pass. Anyone who has already purchased the pass but has been vaccinated can apply for reimbursement.
The state’s other measures to increase vaccination rates include a partnership with select wineries that will offer a free glass of wine to eligible visitors, similar to the state’s “Shot and a Beer” incentive. Additionally, the state will raffle off a dinner with Murphy and his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, to one vaccinated resident and his or her plus-one.
“Millions of New Jerseyans have rolled up their sleeves and received a vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, but there is still much work to be done in order to reach our goal of 4.7 million fully vaccinated New Jersey adults by June 30,” said Murphy. “In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Wine Growers Association, we are giving New Jerseyans more reasons to step up and visit one of our 1,700 vaccination sites to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. We are determined to reach our vaccination goals and make this the best Jersey summer yet.”
As of Wednesday, May 19, nearly 4 million state residents had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Earlier in the week, on Monday, Murphy signed an executive order eliminating the requirement for individuals to wear masks in outdoor public spaces, with some exceptions in school and health care environments. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces and workplaces, however, but individuals at small gatherings may gather in private residences without masks.
Murphy’s ruling contradicts new federal CDC guidance which states that fully vaccinated individuals may resume activities as they did before the pandemic, without wearing masks or physically distancing. It does note on its website that “federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance” may still mandate mask wearing. But some have been quick to criticize Murphy for continuing to require masks indoors for all despite the CDC’s announcement.
“New Jersey is making incredible progress towards our vaccination goals and our COVID-19 case numbers continue to trend downwards, allowing us to eliminate the need for masks outdoors,” said Murphy. “Outdoor environments pose a lesser risk of transmission of the virus than indoor settings, and lifting the indoor mask mandate at this time could lead to a rise in transmission among those not yet fully vaccinated, including children who are either not yet eligible or who have just recently become eligible. As we approach our vaccination target in the coming weeks, we expect to be able to safely lift the indoor mask requirement soon.”
This article originally appeared in the May 20-26, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
