TRENTON, NJ – They say it’s better late than never and in this case, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is at the end of the line of governors reopening their states as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. Due in part to President Trump’s Warp Speed effort to bring a COVID-19 vaccine to approval and market and rapid deployment of the Trump facilitated vaccines by governors like New Jersey Democrat Phil Murphy, the governor today announced the end is near for struggling small businesses.
That is, the end of the governor’s death grip chokehold he’s held over small businesses, restaurants, and bars for the past thirteen months. What started as a 14-day closure to soften the curve has turned into yearlong police state-mandated by the governor’s office.
Effective May 19th, the State of New Jersey will lift all limits on outdoor gatherings provided six-foot social distancing can be adhered to. Additionally, the state will remove the 50% capacity indoor dining limit.
Restaurants will be allowed to operate at whatever capacity allows them to continue to ensure a minimum six-foot distance between tables and groups.
“The steps announced today are the most aggressive steps we have taken to reopen to date. We feel confident we can do this safely because our numbers have trended decisively in the right direction over the last three weeks,” Murphy said.
Effective May 19th, indoor capacities for the following will be limited to a maximum of 250 people so long as social distances can be maintained including catered events, funerals, performances, political activities and commercial gatherings. Indoor social gatherings will increase to 50 people.
On May 7th Murphy’s restrictions on self-service buffets will be lifted along with his bar service ban.
“We feel confident in moving up this timetable given the accelerated progress we’re seeing in our vaccination program, hospital metrics, and daily case counts,” the Governor said.
