NEW JERSEY – After over a year of having restrictions in New Jersey, the indoor mask mandate and social distancing has ended today.
On May 24, Governor Phil Murphy lifted these mandates as the holiday weekend and summer season were quickly approaching. With these announcements, it was stated that those who are unvaccinated should follow CDC guidelines and are still strongly urged to wear masks in public settings. This shift will follow an honor system as the state will not be regulating any verifications on whether you’re vaccinated or not.
Beginning today, New Jersey residents will be allowed to enter retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, movie theaters, gyms, churches and more without face masks or social distancing in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
In addition, outdoor venues that accommodate over 1,000 people may also reopen to full capacity. Indoor gathering and capacity limits are set to be lifted on June 4, this would include indoor concerts and sporting events.
Masks will continue to be required in health care and long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, public transit (airplanes, buses, trains), transit hubs (airports, bus and train stations), public-facing state offices such as Motor Vehicle Commission agencies, and warehousing and manufacturing facilities.
Murphy reminded residents that although the mask mandate is lifted, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear your mask. He expressed that if you feel more comfortable wearing the mask inside still, to continue to do so and that this order does not prohibit wearing masks.
“There’s nothing wrong with being cautious of your own health, your families or the community,” Murphy said at the May 24 briefing.
Masks are still required in schools for teachers and students, something not sitting well with many shore area districts.
