Gov. Murphy: Kids Will Likely Wear Masks If They Return To School

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy said on Friday that it's his opinion that students will wear masks if they go back to school this year amid the coronavirus crisis.

Murphy, during his Friday news conference, was asked by Patch whether students will wear masks if – or when – they get back to school.

"I would bet the answer's yes, that we will be masked when kids get back to school. That would be my personal guess."

Murphy turned to Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli during his Friday news conference, and she didn't dispute his statement.

The governor didn't say whether they'd have to wear masks if they return during the 2019-20 academic year – in May or June – or if they'll have to don face coverings in September.

Murphy reiterated that his statement merely reflected his "personal opinion," and that it wasn't a mandate – yet.

Murphy said he hopes his administration will have a better grasp on what's needed before deciding whether to reopen the schools by May 15.

"We have personally bought ourselves a window of four weeks," he said.

Murphy identified three ways New Jersey can effectively reopen – and have children return to schools – as he released new numbers in the coronavirus outbreak during a Friday news conference: 3,250 new cases and 323 more deaths. And that reopening could mean big changes at schools, even if they're allowed to reopen on May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy Identifies 3 Ways NJ 'Reopens' In Coronavirus Crisis

Murphy announced on Thursday that schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy addressed the question at 48:43:

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Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy announced on Thursday, April 16 that schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump
• On Friday, March 27, Murphy allowed more types of New Jersey businesses – including gun sellers – to operate in the coronavirus outbreak. What's open and closed now? Read more: What's Open, Closed? More NJ Business To Operate Amid Coronavirus
• Murphy announced on Tuesday, April 7 that state and county parks will close. Read more: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis's Deadliest Day
  

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The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.