Singer Asks Murphy for Clarification on COVID-19 Restrictions for Community Swimming Pools

With summer rapidly approaching, Senator Robert Singer asked Governor Phil Murphy to clarify how changes to executive orders on COVID-19 restrictions will apply to community swimming pools.

“As vaccination rates increase and infection rates decline, New Jerseyans are eager to get back to normal this summer and back to their local pool,” said Singer (R-30). “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of confusion over executive orders that have changed, are unclear, or conflict with other orders. With Memorial Day just weeks away, it’s imperative that Governor Murphy clarify how community swimming pools may operate. I would suggest that many of the pool restrictions put in place last summer are no longer necessary given the improving trends, vaccinations, and everything we now know about how little transmission occurs outdoors.”

To address those concerns, Singer sent the following letter (click here for PDF) to the governor today:

Dear Governor Murphy,

Over the past 14 months, the people of New Jersey have suffered tremendously because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as infection rates decline, and vaccination rates increase, it is time for us to start returning to normal. Considering the recent announcement that you will be lifting some of the COVID-19 restrictions contained in the over 100 executive orders issued since last March, it is safe to say you agree to some extent.

Currently, there is far too much confusion over the restrictions you have established, making it difficult for many to comply. As the summer months approach and people begin to emerge from their homes, it is imperative that New Jersey residents, organizations, and businesses have a clear sense of what is required of them. Of particular concern for many of my constituents, is the status of community pools in common interest communities, such as age-restricted communities, condominium developments, and others.

While perhaps well-intended, many of the pool restrictions currently in place are arbitrary, unclear, and not necessarily supported by science. For example, the rule that lap swimming may only be done in one direction per lane serves no apparent purpose and puts pool staff and community associations in the position of having to enforce overly burdensome and unnecessary guidelines. As we begin to emerge from the worst of this devastating pandemic, I implore you to take another look at this issue. We desperately need clear guidance and reasonable policies that are not overly restrictive.

The people of New Jersey are to be commended for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic to protect and care for one another. Now that their hard work is starting to pay off, please help me to ensure that this summer we can all begin to heal from the overwhelming challenges we have faced these last few months.

Sincerely,
Robert W. Singer