NEW JERSEY – Today Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order to increase the indoor capacity of businesses and venues.
Murphy increased indoor capacity from 25 to 35 percent and this order will be in effect on February 5 at 8 a.m.
“I feel confident in signing this order because of the recent trends at our hospitals and our rate of transmission,” Murphy stated.
On January 13, the state reported 3,726 confirmed and suspected COVID cases in hospitals. Murphy confirmed a 20 percent decrease from that number three weeks later.
While some numbers are still high, Murphy said he believes that this expansion will work without undoing any progress or adding any further stress on the healthcare system.
The expansion will include:
- Expanding indoor dining capacity to 35 percent. Seating at indoor bars will still remain restricted with this order.
- Lifting statewide 10 p.m. restaurant indoor service limit. Although, counties or municipalities may continue to regulate the hours of indoor dining after 8 p.m.
- Expanding capacity for indoor entertainment and recreation areas, which includes casinos and gyms, to 35 percent. Included in this would also be personal care businesses like barber shops and salons.
- Indoor gatherings such as religious gatherings, wedding ceremonies, political activities and memorial services or funerals can increase capacity to 35 percent but no more than 150 individuals.
- Performance venues can also expand to 35 percent capacity, but no more than 150 individuals.
Health protocols are still in effect; this includes wearing a mask indoors except when eating or drinking.
Murphy reported that a total of 837,225 vaccines have been administered within the state.
