(Camden, NJ) – With the rate of new COVID-19 cases continuing to decline throughout the state, Governor Phil Murphy has signed an executive order allowing increased capacity at indoor businesses, including bars and restaurants, and for outdoor gatherings.
As of Friday, March 19, restaurants, bars, food courts and other such indoor businesses that serve food and drinks, along with personal care services (such as salons and barber shops) and recreation/entertainment businesses that include gyms and casinos, can increase their customer capacity from 35 percent to 50 percent. Indoor gatherings can increase from 10 to 25 people and outdoor gatherings can increase from 25 to 50 people. Current limitations on special ceremonies and events such as weddings, funerals, religious services and political events, will remain in place.
The order requiring face coverings when indoors in public spaces and businesses remains in effect, along with all distancing requirements to prevent the virus from spreading.
“We are encouraged that Gov. Murphy is able to ease these restrictions thanks to more of our population being vaccinated and the drop in new cases. The pandemic has presented an enormous struggle for our businesses large and small and we know that easing some of the public safety restrictions will help these businesses continue their recovery,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr.