Governor Phil Murphy has signed an executive order increasing indoor capacity limits for certain businesses and increasing both the general indoor and outdoor gathering limits. These changes will go into effect on Friday, March 19th at 6:00 a.m., aligned with increases in capacity in Connecticut and New York.
“We believe we can confidently take these steps today as our COVID-19 metrics continue to trend in the right direction,” said Governor Murphy. “However, our mask mandate and COVID-19 health and safety protocols remain in effect. I am hopeful that we’ll be able to take further steps in expanding capacity responsibly and incrementally guided by public health data.”
Indoor businesses will be permitted to increase indoor capacity limits from 35 percent to 50 percent. This includes restaurants, cafeterias, food courts and bars, barber shops and nail salons. In addition, it includes businesses in recreation amusement and entertainment such as casinos and gyms.
These businesses must continue to abide by current health and safety protocols, including face covering and physical distancing requirements.
Small non-business related indoor gatherings may now include up to 25 people. Limits on religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, or performances will remain unchanged.
The outdoor gathering limit will increase from 25 people to 50 people. Limits on outdoor gatherings that are religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals or memorial services will remain unchanged.
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