Today, Governor Murphy announced during his daily press conference that he’ll officially be lifting the stay-at-home order that has been in place since March 21. He also announced that effective today the outdoor gathering capacity has changed from 25 to 100 people. Additionally, effective immediately, indoor gatherings (specifically faith or religious in nature) can now allow groups of 25 percent of a building’s capacity, or 50 people total (whichever number is smaller), and some outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses can also reopen.
The stay-at-home order has been in place since March 2, encouraging residents to only leave their houses for necessary reasons, but with the reopening of many restaurants and businesses in the coming weeks, the order has been lifted. Murphy is still encouraging people to social distance and wear face coverings when in public.
Outdoor gathering capacity has been increased from 25 to 100 people, effective immediately. Gatherings that fall under the first amendment or religious services have special dispensation, meaning that peaceful protests and outdoor church services can allow larger groups with social distancing and face coverings.
Murphy also revealed NJ’s planned dates to increase the numbers allowed at outdoor gatherings again. On June 22, the anticipated increased limit will be 250 people and on July 3, the number is expected to be 500 people. Murphy said that graduations planned for the July 6 date should plan a 500 person maximum capacity for gatherings (while still abiding by the rest of the rules previously laid out established).
In other good news, indoor gatherings for faith and religious services will be permitted at whichever number is lower: 25 percent of a building’s capacity or a maximum of 50 people. Mandatory face coverings and social distancing will be required. This does not include indoor dining, theaters or any other functions like that, but could potentially include office space, but the announcement is primarily directed toward faith and religious services.
Outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses will be allowed to reopen, but does not include playgrounds, amusement parks, water parks or arcades where there could be large gatherings of people and what Murphy calls “high touch” situations.
