Gov. Phil Murphy announced New Jersey will have more openings for indoor activities on July 2 — just in time for the holiday weekend.
Museums, aquariums, libraries and a number of indoor recreational facilities — including bowling centers, batting cages and boardwalk arcades — will be able to reopen at 25% of their capacity, Murphy said.
Murphy, speaking at his daily COVID-19 briefing, said some accommodations are being made for gyms, too. People (or families) will be able to participate in personal training, by appointment, he said.
Indoor entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues and nightclubs, will remain closed.
Earlier this week, Murphy announced indoor dining, amusement parks, water parks and casinos would be allowed to resume July 2.
Murphy preached personal responsibility around the opening of these facilities, reiterating his thoughts that indoor activities are far more likely to spread COVID-19
“We must remain extra vigilant about this virus when we are indoors,” he said. “We know that it is easier to contract the coronavirus in an indoor environment. This is why we will require all of these places to implement heightened standards of sanitation, as well as other measures to ensure proper social distances, and the wearing of face coverings at all times.”
Murphy said more detailed guidance will be released later this week, but he said they will very closely track the guidance we have already given for other indoor activities.
And he discussed the mandatory need for facemasks, too.
“The wearing of face coverings or masks is and will be required,” he said. “This goes not just for customers, but for employees, too — no exceptions. This is not a polite suggestion or a gentle reminder, but a requirement.
“When you are indoors, you must keep your mouth and nose covered, except if you’re sitting down at a table to eat or drink, for religious purposes, or your personal health and safety requires it.”
Murphy said he hopes to be able to increase the capacity for indoor activities.
“As we continue through the weeks ahead, if we continue to see the progress we need, I anticipate us being able to gradually increase our indoor capacities,” he said.
