In more good news for New Jersey’s reopening, Governor Murphy announced today that outdoor amusement parks, outdoor water parks and playgrounds can reopen on July 2. This includes rides on the Jersey Shore’s boardwalks.
All outdoor parks must limit attendance to 50 percent of their capacity, and park visitors and employees are required to wear face masks. Riders must be seated so that they are six feet apart from those outside of their group. Parks should place markers on the ground to remind people to stand six feet apart and rides should be frequently sanitized. More specific rules and guidance are still being finalized and will be released in the coming days.
Outdoor parks throughout the state are working to comply with the state’s rules for reopening and will be sharing their protocols so visitors can review them before heading to their destination.
“We are working hard to redefine family fun this summer and are further expanding our commitment to safety and cleanliness starting with our Safe Play Promise,” officials at Morey’s Piers and Water Parks in Wildwood said in a statement today. “As modeled after Morey Resorts Safe Stay Promise, these strengthened procedures are designed to give our guests even greater confidence in visiting our facilities and to give our staff the protection they need during these times.”
Murphy did not give a green light to opening arcades but said more news on arcades would likely come Wednesday. Today’s news follow’s yesterday’s announcement that indoor dining can resume with capacity limits starting July 2. Casinos can also reopen on July 2 but must also operate at 25 percent capacity.
Murphy reminded New Jerseyans that social distancing must be observed as we continue to open up. “Social distancing is the only thing that has allowed us to crush the curves over the past three months and what has allowed us to catch up to a virus that has no vaccine and no proven therapeutic,” he tweeted.
Murphy also took to social media to remind young people that they are “not invincible,” citing an increase in the percentage of COVID-19 cases between the ages of 18-29. “Do the right thing,” he said. “Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. Don’t be a knucklehead.”
