More Outdoor Businesses Allowed to Reopen This Week

Starting Friday morning at 6 AM, many outdoor businesses and recreational areas will be able to reopen. Governor Murphy announced today during his press conference that as part of New Jersey’s gradual and staged reopening, he he will allow batting cages, golf ranges, shooting and archery ranges, private tennis clubs, horseback riding and community gardens to reopen. 

Additionally, the golf courses that were already open, can now allow golfers to tee-off in foursomes. And while these outdoor businesses are able to open, Murphy advised people heading to these spots to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing rules. 

The reopening continues the Governor’s planned move into what he’s calling stage one of the Road Back process. Stage 1 includes many things that have already been announced, which include beaches, curbside retail, elective surgeries and state and local parks. 

Murphy cautioned that we wouldn’t be moving into Stage 2 until the numbers allow it. The state is cautiously allowing these outdoor activities as they are safer and easier to control. He did caution that if numbers start to backslide, he could reinstate the previous restrictions.

Below is a chart that the governor released of the slow and deliberate steps being taken to reopen  the state, with no set dates around Stage 2 and Stage 3. He did caution that all of these stages will involve social distancing rules, no mass gatherings, and require people to wear face coverings while in public and be vigilant about washing hands.