Gov. Phil Murphy said anti-vaccine protesters have “lost their minds”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy could not hold his words when confronted with slogans from anti-vaccine protesters and call them “knuckleheads” who have “lost their minds.”

It was perhaps a manifestation of impatience in this bizarre confrontation that is taking place across the country where a group of people have turned a health priority issue into a partisan confrontation.

As reported by thehill.com, the Democratic governor in his address at the Union City ceremony stressed that on Wednesday alone, New Jersey reported more than 1,100 new COVID-19 infections, 13 additional deaths and over 600 people hospitalized due to the virus.

Murphy explained that while the rate of transmission is “actually coming down a little bit,” the alert is on, “we are still in the fight” against COVID-19. “Please get vaccinated if you are not vaccinated,” he shouted into his microphone. “Please get vaccinated. Period.”

The governor the addressed a group of anti-vaccine protesters who were holding signs reading, “No forced injections,” and “Medical choice is a human right.” And shouted “These folks back there have lost their minds, you’ve lost your minds!” he shouted.

You can read: Most NJ community colleges do not mandate the COVID vaccine

But there was more to say. “You are the ultimate knuckleheads, and because of what you are saying and standing for, people are losing their life,” Murphy continued. “And you have to know that,” he added, prompting cheers from supporters gathered at the bill signing.

Against vaccine mandate

The anti-vaccine protests have come after Murphy announced that his government would be requiring workers in health care centers and other “high congregate settings,” to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to regular testing.

Gov. Murphy was in the city, about 65 miles northeast of Trenton, to sign into law legislation providing an additional $500 million to the state’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and $250 million for utility assistance.

The bill also extends the state’s deadlines for its moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures during the pandemic, and Murphy on Wednesday also signed legislation offering additional protections for tenants by allowing records related to their nonpayment of rent during the pandemic to be kept confidential.