Time to explore the Great Indoors.
Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday closed all state parks and forests and county parks, to help ensure social distancing continues when the weather gets nice.
“We have seen far too many instances in our parks where people are gathering and socializing in groups and by closing these areas, we are further limiting public interactions to only the most essential purposes,” Murphy said.
“Data shows that our aggressive efforts to flatten the curve are beginning to make a difference; however, we must continue our push to flatten it to the point where our day-over-day increase is zero.”
Through Tuesday, some 1,232 New Jerseyans have died from the coronavirus, and 44,416 have tested positive.
In Morris County, 87 have died, and 2,238 have tested positive. Morristown is reporting 156 cases, and Morris Township, 122.
Murphy’s Executive Order No. 108 takes effect at 8 o’clock this evening, Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
Violations will be considered disorderly persons offenses, which can bring $1,000 fines and six months in jail.
It gives municipalities leeway to keep muncipal parks open or closed.
Playgrounds have been closed for awhile. Morristown’s passive recreation areas “will remain open for now and will be monitored should further intervention be needed,” town Administrator Jillian Barrick said on Tuesday afternoon.
