AG Grewal: ‘Naming and shaming’ those who won’t social distance will get people to follow the rules

Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says that “naming and shaming” people who are not complying with Gov. Phil Murphy’s social distancing guidelines will get more people to follow the rules.

The attorney general made the comments as police departments all over the state have been dispersing large crowds and other social gatherings that are still taking place, despite Murphy’s executive orders he says will slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“Unfortunately, we have what the governor calls ‘knuckleheads.’ Some residents who don’t think they have an obligation to their neighbors to stay home, to be responsible in this moment,” Grewal said. “There are folks who are doing things from loitering in public places - to stupid things like holding front lawn Pink Floyd cover band concerts to extremely dangerous things like engaging in violent crimes and then coughing on our law enforcement offers when they’re arrested.”

Just this week, police in Lakewood broke up a gathering outside Toys 4 You. Police say that at least 50 people were outside the store on Monday as employees were taking orders at the door. Ten employees were inside the store at the time. Police say that the owner is facing charges.

Six people were charged in Mendham for playing tennis at a fitness club there. The owner of The Club at Mendham was also charged. Gyms are among the nonessential businesses that the governor ordered to close during the crisis.

Grewal says that complying with the governor’s orders will help to save lives. He says that complying will help to limit the number of people who are infected with the virus.