Gov. Phil Murphy and State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan “clarified” rules for attendance at pro and college sporting events, indoor mall services, self-service food and beverage, and private tutoring in an administrative order issued Saturday evening.
The order was signed by Callahan.
The clarifications appear to allow for more of an opening of some economic activity. Here’s a breakdown:
- Counting at pro and college games: Athletes, coaches, officials, trainers and support staff will not count toward indoor or outdoor attendance limits. For indoor sports, capacity will be limited to 25%, with a maximum of 150 people. The state currently limits outdoor events to 500 people. The decision seemingly allows for more opportunities for fans to attend games. Only a limited number of family members were at Rutgers University’s football game on Saturday at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, and attendance is expected to be severely limited when the New York Giants host Tampa Bay on “Monday Night Football” at MetLife Stadium.
- Indoor malls: Vending machines and stroller rentals are allowed to operate at malls, provided they are sanitized under CDC guidelines. Indoor play areas and valet parking remain closed.
- Self-service food and drink: Buffets, salad bars and other self-service food areas remain closed. Self-serve drink machines are still allowed, provided they are sanitized.
- Indoor academic tutoring: Shared-space tutoring service facilities may open to students and clients, provide the facilities operate at 25% capacity as well as follow all other guidelines that were outlined in Executive Order No. 157, which reopened indoor dining, indoor recreational facilities and gyms/fitness centers.
Other notes from the weekend:
More than 3,000 new cases
Murphy announced 1,751 new COVID-19 cases Sunday — a day after announcing 1,370 cases Saturday, giving the state a weekend total of 3,121 and overall cumulative total of 239,629.
Murphy tweeted: “This virus has not gone away because we are tired of it. Stay vigilant. Wear a mask. Social distance. Wash your hands.”
Murphy also announced 16 more fatalities, bringing that total to 14,561.
Final word
On Twitter, Murphy saluted the passing of legendary actor Sean Connery, who died over the weekend at age 90.
“An absolute legend of the big screen who kept me and so many other fans on the edge of our seats. Sean Connery will live on forever as Bond. James Bond. Rest in Peace, 007.”
First lady Tammy Murphy said the family watched “The Hunt for Red October” in Connery’s honor this weekend.
FWIW: I enjoyed his work in “Finding Forrester” — a less-heralded film he did in 2000, co-starring Rob Brown with supporting efforts from Anna Paquin and F. Murray Abraham (as well as a cameo from Matt Damon).
