I made this petition to make sure that the new COVID-19 guidelines begin on May 1st rather than May 10th so that all seniors can enjoy their prom experience. We need quick action, so please sign and share with others!

On April 26th, Governor Murphy announced that “the capacity limit on indoor catered events in New Jersey, such as weddings and proms, put in place to battle the coronavirus pandemic will increase to 50% and up to 250 people starting May 10th, and dance floors at these events can be open." However, several schools in the state of New Jersey have planned for their prom to occur within the first week of May. 

Personally, Montgomery High School has set May 7th as our prom date. My class will not be able to dance, and we will be limited to 150 people in a room. However, under Governor Murphy's newly released restrictions, if our prom was scheduled for only three days later, my classmates and I would have had the opportunity to use a dance floor and gather together as a large group for the first time in over a year. 

Since the start of the pandemic, I have been in support of strict mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I believe that restrictions are still important at our current stage and that masks, social distancing, and proper hygiene continue to be inforced until we are at a point in which everyone is vaccinated and safe. However, as we approach normalcy and restrictions slowly lessen, I believe that it is unfair for an arbitrary date to determine who gets to enjoy the new benefits. The difference of three days between our current MHS prom date and May 10th has zero justification. That is why I ask you to sign this petition asking that Governor Murphy immediately move the beginning of these new restrictions to the first day in the month of May: the start of the traditional prom season.