New Jersey Governor Orders Beaches to be Opened by Memorial Day

The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance made the following statement today in response to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s (D-New Jersey) executive order allowing for his state’s beaches to be opened by Friday, May 22. Gov. Murphy and Gov. Charlie Baker were classmates at Needham High School and their states’ beaches share similarities regarding demographics, commerce, and tourism.

Gov. Murphy’s order would allow for beach use while maintaining social distancing of six feet apart. The beaches would continue to be open to non-residents. The New Jersey Governor’s order does not limit parking and allows local municipalities the authority to make decisions regarding crowd control that best fits their unique needs. Masks are not required on the beaches, but can be used when social distancing cannot be followed. Public restrooms are open and businesses that serve food can immediately offer take out to beach goers. Like Massachusetts, New Jersey has seen over one million workers and businesses file for unemployment since the March shut down. New Jersey has been one of the state’s hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Outside of New York, New Jersey has suffered the most of any state in dealing with COVID-19. New Jersey beaches and their coastal businesses are enjoyed by many summer residents and many tourists from hard-hit urban areas like New York City and Philadelphia. Their Democratic Governor made the executive decision to open up. The unofficial start of summer is Memorial Day and Massachusetts residents, business owners, and their workers need the economic and mental relief open beaches provide,” stated Paul Craney, spokesman for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.