Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli called Gov. Phil Murphy’s Monday announcement loosening COVID-19 gathering limits a letdown.
“Apparently Governor Murphy woke up after the Oscars and decided to put on a performance of his own. His press conference today was nothing but more political theater,” Ciattarelli said. “Once again, Murphy offered no consistency. No timeline to fully reopen indoor dining or bring state employees back to work. No science, other than political science, and no end in sight for government by executive whim.”
Murphy said outdoor gathering limits would increase to 500 persons, from 200, on May 10, with increases to capacity limits for indoor private catered events and definition change to large outdoor venues that increased capacity and eligibility.
The changes are meant, in part, to allow graduation ceremonies and proms.
Ciattarelli’s reopening plan calls for Murphy to cede executive power to the legislature and lift all gathering limits by May 15.
“The people of New Jersey see through this nonsense and they are tired of it. They deserve a real plan for a full reopening, with real timelines and an end to limitless executive order,” the Republican said. “That’s what I’ve put forward and what my fellow residents can expect from me as governor. Enough is enough.”