Senate Republicans: Reopening Parks a Reasonable Step, Many Businesses Ready to Reopen Too

The Senate Republican leadership team said Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement that State and county parks and golf courses will be allowed to reopen is a reasonable step and that many businesses are also ready to resume operations once restrictions are lifted:

“Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed with awe and pride an amazing transformation in the attitudes and practices of individual New Jerseyans as they adopted necessary social distancing and personal protective measures that just months ago would have been unthinkable.

“Similarly, we have watched as retailers, educators, and healthcare professionals have responded with ingenuity, dedication, and professionalism to ensure their ability to continue serving their communities.

“Given the increased understanding of reasonable personal behavior during this time, we believe the reopening of open spaces across New Jersey, including State and county parks and golf courses, is long overdue. Still, we are glad Governor Murphy has finally acknowledged what most New Jerseyans have been asking for since the parks were closed.

“Additionally, we believe it’s time for the governor to begin to trust the tens of thousands of small businesses that have plans in place and are ready to reopen safely. They’ve made detailed plans and taken steps to ensure their ability to reopen while protecting their workers and customers. There’s no reason a shop on Main Street has to remain shut when the convenience store next door is open. If they can put in place the same precautions, Governor Murphy should lift the restrictions he placed on them and let them get back to work.”

According to the New Jersey Business & Industry Association Business Recovery Survey, 70% of businesses said they could operate safely under social distancing guidelines recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.