We’re open! NJ loosens restrictions

May 7 marks the first stage of what Gov. Phil Murphy has dubbed “the most aggressive steps we have taken to reopen to date.”

A number of immediate steps are going into effect today, ahead of the much broader reopenings which take effect on May 19.

Beginning May 7, outdoor gathering limits increase from 250 to 500 people. Indoor gatherings for catered events, political assemblies, proms, weddings, funerals and memorial services increase to the lesser of 50% or 250 people.

The ban on buffets, bar-side seating and self-service foods ends. The governor contends that enforcement will be the trickiest for barside seating.

Large outdoor venues – those with at least 1,000 fixed seats – can increase from 30% to 50% capacity.

According to Murphy, the current pace of the state’s vaccination efforts, and the downward trend in the virus – hospitalizations, daily cases, the transmission rate and the positivity rate among COVID-19 tests – all justify these reopening measures.

Starting on May 19, outdoor gathering limits are replaced with a requirement for attendees to stay at least 6 feet apart or wear a mask if that is not possible.

Capacity based on a percentage of total occupancy at indoor and outdoor businesses – amusement parks, malls, restaurants, retail, gyms and salons for example – will be replaced with mask and social distancing requirements.

Restaurant tables can be closer than 6 feet if barriers such as plexiglass are in place. The federal Centers for Disease Control are considering lowering the social distancing definition to 3 feet, and Murphy said the state would follow suit if the CDC takes that route.

“The governor’s reopening to 100% capacity, for our businesses — in most cases — this is not possible as long as they have to keep tables 6 feet apart. The restaurants are urging for 3-foot distancing so they can actually accommodate maximum capacity,” said Dana Lancellotti, who heads the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “100% can’t happen at 6 feet.”

Indoor gatherings will be capped at 50 people, up from 25 attendees. Catered events as well as gatherings overseen by businesses – such as conferences, trade shows and expos – can increase their capacity to 250 people per room.

And with many event spaces, hotels and conference centers having dozens of rooms, coupled with indoor venues that will boast looser seating restrictions, many event spaces have a great deal of flexibility,  Murphy said.

Fixed-seating indoor venues with at least 1,000 seats can increase their capacity to 50%, as long as ticketed groups maintain social distancing.