Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered all state and county parks to close, part of the state’s ongoing respnose to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Murphy made the announcement at his daily news briefing. He then announced the following on his social media page:
We’ve seen far too many instances in our parks where people are gathering and socializing in groups. We need to #FlattenTheCurve.
I do not take this action lightly. Some of my fondest memories with my own children are beautiful spring days in parks playing soccer and enjoying our family.But my focus, and my sole mission in life right now, is the health of every New Jersey family.
Gov. Murphy also announced that the state’s public health emergency, which was first declared on March 9, would continue by 30 days.
“Extending this order ensures we will continue to take appropriate steps to protect the public health and welfare of New Jerseyans,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
The parks order comes on the heels of Gov. Murphy’s announcement that stay-at-home orders are showing signs of success.
State officials reported Tuesday the coronavirus death toll in New Jersey has increased to 1,232, while total cases in the state have hit 44,416.