Governor Murphy Is Relaxing COVID-19 Restrictions In New Jersey

(Gov. Phil Murphy via Youtube)

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has relaxed, but, not removed all restrictions that are currently in place.

Governor Murphy did state that he envisions relaxing the restrictions more over the next several weeks.

It’s not a moment too soon. So many businesses have been devastated over the past 13-plus months because of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

From casinos to restaurants and so many others in between. It’s been a devastating time for many employers and employees.

Last week, neighboring state Governor Ned Lamont announced big moves are coming to the state of Connecticut.

Lamont is relaxing an earlier curfew and other onerous curbs that were in place, effective Saturday, May 1, 2021. Connecticut is removing all restrictions, effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Here’s how the upcoming relaxation of restrictions is going to work at this time:

Surrounded by key cabinet members, Governor Murphy shared the following;

New Jersey is seeing forward progress with vaccinations at 2,819,226 vaccinations (to date), which is 60 percent of Governor Murphy’s previously stated goal.

The number of state hospitalizations are down sharply.

209 patients have been discharged this month ... 170 patients admitted… 30 in hospital deaths. 398 individuals in critical care and 246 individuals on ventilators through April 25, 2021

New Jersey estimated rate of virus reproduction, otherwise known as transmission rate is 0.90. COVID-19 daily percent positivity through April 22 is 6.44%

This is the fourth consecutive day that the positivity rate is below 7%

These positive trends have made it possible for governor Murphy to announce today that:

On Monday, May 10, 2021, by Governor Murphy executive order, the following changes will take effect:

Effective May 10, indoor room capacities for the following will increase to 50% with a maximum of 250 individuals:

Private catered events, including weddings and school proms, political events, funerals:, Memorial services, performances.

Dance floors will be allowed to open at private catered events with masking and social distancing requirements in place.

Effective May 10, the capacity for large venues, 1000 or more will increase to 50%, with 6 feet of distance required.

Regarding outdoor activities:

Effective May 10, the general outdoor gathering limit will increase to 500 individuals

Governor Murphy said that should the CDC relax the outdoor social distancing, he is open to proceeding accordingly.

Effective May 10, outdoor carnivals and fairs are permitted to operate at 50% capacity, align with other amusement businesses.

Governor Murphy confirmed that there are no restrictions for outdoor dining, with the only rules being that the number of outdoor seats is commensurate with the available seating, within a 6 foot social distancing alignment.

Governor Murphy is also reviewing and will (this Wednesday), rules regarding day camps.