This afternoon, Governor Murphy announced that New Jersey remains well on the path to Stage 2 of reopening the State in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The State COVID-19 website states: “In Stage Two, moderate-risk activities restart. When leaving home, New Jerseyans should wear a face covering and keep a social distance from others. All workers who can work from home should continue to work from home.
- June 15: Child care centers reopen their doors to all clients.
- June 15: Outdoor dining reopens.
- June 15: Non-essential retail stores reopen for indoor shopping.
- June 15: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies reopen for pick-up and drop-off services.
- June 22: Organized sports activities resume.
- June 22: Barbershops and hair salons reopen. as well as tanning salons, massage and nail salons, tattoo parlors and day spas
- June 22: Swimming pools reopen.
- June 22: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 250 people (anticipated).
- June 29: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies begin to offer behind-the-wheel road tests and resume issuing new licenses and permits.
- July 3: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 500 people (anticipated).
- July 6: Youth day camps and summer programs can operate.
- July 6: Modified outdoor graduation ceremonies begin.”
On his Facebook, Murphy said: ‘We still have to be careful – that’s why we’re not throwing the doors of our state all the way open on Monday. We still must be vigilant, and we still must keep social distancing our top priority.
“Our transmission rate of #COVID19 has dropped to among the lowest in the country. Right now, the national news is reporting about other states witnessing spikes in COVID-19 cases and impacts – states which rushed to reopen. The foolhardiness of their actions is now being seen.”
Murphy also announced that today the New Jersey Department of Education is releasing guidance that will allow school districts to conduct in-person summer educational programs – including Extended School Year and special education services –beginning July 6.
Tomorrow, he said, New Jersey State Police Colonel Callahan will be issuing an Administrative Order clarifying that libraries are permitted to do curbside pickup starting Monday, June 15.
Murphy also noted that though his office has “tried to work with the governing body of Asbury Park to resolve the issue of indoor dining. Because they haven’t done so, New Jersey OAG will bring a lawsuit today against the city government of Asbury Park.”
“Our rules are based on one principle,” he said, “ensuring public health.”
