To Gov. Murphy, members of the NJ Senate and NJ Assembly:

We the undersigned, who represent the majority of New Jersey residents, support democracy and science when determining a course of action for reopening the state economy that prioritizes the health, safety, and economic stability of all New Jerseyans.[1]

We reject the calls and actions of the small groups of demonstrators, who largely ignore social distancing practices and the use of personal protective equipment, thereby endangering others with infection, in their misguided attempt to reopen the economy before it is safe to do so.

Reports have shown that a number of states, as well as other countries, have seen spikes in COVID-19 cases immediately after prematurely reopening their economy and loosening quarantine restrictions.[2] Experts are predicting increases in COVID-19 cases upon the premature reopening of state economies.[3]

We believe that the key to successfully confronting the pandemic requires a government plan that is based on science and the provision of sufficient government resources; this includes a massive effort of testing and contact tracing. Our government must also ensure that all medical personnel have the necessary equipment and that all medical institutions have the staffing, infrastructure, and logistics needed to adequately respond to the pandemic. Essentially, we need to act in accordance with the advice and consensus of medical experts.

We believe that, as long as quarantine measures are a necessary means to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the safety of our communities, the government of the State of New Jersey must see to it that all residents are receiving sufficient financial support for food and housing and that all residents have access to free medical care.

We believe that taking these steps will help ensure that we can flatten the curve to reduce harm and ensure the safety of the majority while preventing economic devastation in the process.

We insist that Governor Murphy and members of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly respect the will of the majority of New Jersey residents who support democracy and science in the effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

[1] https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_nj_042120/

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/4/29/21241069/polls-social-distancing-policies-financial-devastation

https://morningconsult.com/2020/05/13/social-distancing-economy-polling/

[2] https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-lockdowns-relapses-lebanon-south-korea-restrictions-20200513.html

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2020/05/23/coronavirus-north-coast-officials-pull-back-reopening-after-seeing-spike-covid/

[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/us/coronavirus-live-updates.html

https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-19-models-early-lockdown-lifts-deaths-georgia-2020-4

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/20/coronavirus-update-us/