(TRENTON) – Senator Joseph Vitale and Yvonne Lopez (both D-Middlesex) released the following statement on the executive order signed by Governor Phil Murphy today requiring all child care centers to close, with the exception of those serving children of essential workers, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“Since the closure of New Jersey’s public and private schools, we have advocated for the same precautionary measure for child care facilities. Allowing large groups of children, and the adults taking care of them, to gather counteracts our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, we sympathize with parents who work in hospitals and other essential businesses who need access to quality child care in order to go to work. Now more than ever, we need them to be on the front lines.
“We are pleased the Governor heard our calls and implemented many of our recommendations for how our state should approach child care during this pandemic. This includes allowing child care centers to continue serving children of essential workers, while closing other facilities for the time being. We understand this decision will be difficult for some families, but it is a necessary step in our fight against COVID-19. The health and safety of our children is our top priority.”