"[N]ow is the right time to take this action, particularly as the final limits on gatherings are lifted ... " reads a joint statement issued by the governor, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. "With passage of this bill today and its signing tomorrow, followed by the governor's signing of an executive order terminating the Public Health Emergency, we will move closer to normal than at any time since March 2020."

The closures mark a shift toward hyperlocal deployment of vaccination efforts, as the state attempts to inoculate hundreds of thousands of vaccine-hesitant New Jerseyans. More than 2 million people have gotten their shots at one of the six mega-centers.

Between the start of Memorial Day weekend through June 4, most of New Jersey’s COVID-19 business restrictions were rolled back for vaccinated people, allowing an almost complete return to pre-pandemic operations. The move was hailed by business groups, who contend that the rules constituted a drag on the state’s economy. But public health experts remain cautious about whether the state is ready to fully celebrate.

The extension comes just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and in response to an uptick in inquiries from regions where gathering bans are being lifted.

The new rules follow an honor system - fully vaccinated patrons do not have to wear a mask while indoors, but those without the vaccine still must wear them.

Gov. Phil Murphy and several top state lawmakers announced their intention to approve this latest stimulus round as companies embark on reopenings coming out of 15 months of pandemic closures and restrictions.

“We encourage all employers to do the right things for their specific workplaces,” the governor said. “While we are rescinding some requirements, that doesn’t mean we don’t expect you to be flexible and to work with employees — particularly those who are juggling family obligations such as child care.”

A joint report by the Bridgewater-based office goods firm Brother International and Focus NJ found that 65% of businesses will allow some form of out of office work following the pandemic, or are currently considering such a move.

Place your bets! As of June 4, the latest round of COVID-19 business restrictions are lifting across gambling establishments, and the city is also rolling back restrictions for in-person events.

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Resorts Hotel Casino will offer the shots beginning June 5, according to a joint announcement from AtlantiCare health network and the Casino Association of New Jersey.

The governor expressed anxiety over whether the state can fully vaccinate 4.7 million adults by June 30. "It’s going to be close. I think we got a real shot,” he said during a radio appearance on WFAN’s “Moose and Maggie Show.”

The organization said the order will also help ensure the safety of staff and visitors of the New Jersey Hospital Association Conference and Event Center, which hosts an average of 150 education programs and meetings annually.