TRENTON, NJ – The federal mask mandate backed by the CDC is over in America for those who have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. President Joe Biden, one of the staunchest supporters of double-masking has shed his own mask and says America is moving forward.
Everywhere but in New Jersey and other states run by progressive lockdown governors. Last night, Governor Phil Murphy said he’s not ready to allow New Jerseyans to ditch their face masks just yet. He echoed the sentiment of New York Governor Mario Cuomo. Both have acted in lockstep together since the pandemic began, both enforcing harsh and restrictive executive orders that came with stiff penalties and fines against residents and business owners during the pandemic.
New Guidance released today by the CDC states If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Last night Murphy said, not so fast New Jersey.
“Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health are reviewing the new CDC guidance on masking requirements,” Murphy spokeswoman Alexandra Altman said after the announcement by Biden and the CDC. “We continue to move forward in our efforts to vaccinate all willing and eligible individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey.”
Today, an angry internet mob began trolling the Governor’s official Facebook and Twitter feeds demanding an immediate cease to the Governor’s 14 month long lockdown.
Many feel there should be no need for any independent review by anyone in New Jersey that could end up contradicting the science behind the CDC decision which also carries the full support of the President of the United States.
“You said you were guided by the science, Phil,” One reader said. “You heard the science.”
Murphy has been pushing New Jerseyans to get vaccinated for months, offering incentives such as a free beer, but once again he’s being accused of moving the goal posts.
With the virus numbers dwindling and vaccination numbers increasing, Murphy is being accused of changing the rules once again. Today, he faces a critical point in his re-election bid. If he defies the CDC mandate and continues to prolong his statewide lockdown and mask mandate, he could start losing moderates on both sides of the aisle who are ready to get back to their old lives, not a watered down version of Phil Murphy’s “New Normal”.
Millions have rejected the notion of a “new normal” after the pandemic and many are now satisfied with the CDC’s guidance and the President’s approval of that guidance.
On his Facebook and Twitter feeds today, thousands of commenters echo similar demands to end the mask mandate immediately.