By Anthony Payero
(TRENTON, N.J.) New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy shared multiple reopening announcements Monday during his daily coronavirus briefing, including speaking on the state's mask mandate, according to ABC 7.
The Garden State will be lifting the outdoor mask mandate, effective immediately, for all people outdoors, but the indoor mask mandate will remain unchanged.
"Our indoor mask mandate remains in place in public spaces," Murphy said. "The majority of New Jerseyans are still unvaccinated, and keeping this mandate in place in public settings protects you, your family, essential workers, and our entire community."
Murphy said business owners and frontline employees should not be troubled to enforce every patron while at work.
"So here's what it boils down to, we are going to be able to take off our masks indoors in the not so distant future, as more and more people complete their vaccination," Murphy said. "We just can't yet because we need to know unequivocally that doing so will not lead to a backslide in our progress. We have this virus on the run."
Murphy did not make a final decision on vaccination passports, but said he is "uncomfortable" with them due to the lack of vaccinations completed in New Jersey's minority community.
On Friday, Murphy prolonged the public health emergency for what he declares "should be the final time."
The governor said the state is looking to make a legislative solution that will permit this emergency to come to an end next month as they continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, according to ABC 7.
Also on Monday, New Jersey travelers no longer need to quarantine upon returning due to the travel advisory being lifted.
"Continue to follow local health and safety protocols when traveling," Murphy said. "Adhere to international travel guidance from the state department and CDC."