"Indoor shoppers who refuse to wear masks during pandemic would face jail, fine under new bill"

Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order requiring people to wear a mask covering their nose and mouths when they enter a store or other retail business. Most comply, state officials say, but not everyone. A recent Gallup poll found 18% percent of the public rarely or never wears a mask, despite government orders and signs business owners post telling shoppers they must comply. Now state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would set 30-day jail sentences and fines of up to $500 for those who refuse to wear masks by making violation of the order a disorderly persons offense. The mask requirement would remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergency and state of emergency declared in Executive Order No. 103, according to the bill, (A4453).