New Jersey is Actively Lifting Restrictions. How?
SOURCE: COVID19.nj.gov
On May 18, Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a multi-stage approach to execute the responsible and strategic economic restart to put New Jersey on the road back to recovery from COVID-19. New Jersey's process for lifting restrictions is guided by six principles and key metrics.
New Jersey will enter new stages based on data that demonstrates improvements in public health and the capacity to safeguard the public. The restart will be phased-in within each stage, rather than opening all businesses and activities at once within a stage.
New Jersey is currently in Stage 1 and is on track to enter Stage 2 on Monday, June 15. All New Jerseyans should stay home as much as possible to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19. All workers who can work from home should continue to work from home.
Multi-Stage Approach to Execute a Responsible and Strategic Economic Restart Under maximum restrictions, New Jerseyans stayed at home as much possible and activity was limited to essential tasks.
Permitted activities and businesses included emergency health care, essential construction, manufacturing, and essential retail, including grocery stores and pharmacies.
Stage One
In Stage One, restrictions are relaxed on low-risk activities. New Jerseyans continue to stay at home as much as possible.
May 2: State Parks and Forests reopen for passive recreation.
May 2: Golf courses reopen.
May 17: Charter fishing and watercraft rental businesses reopen.
May 20: In-person sales at car and motorcycle dealerships and at bicycle shops resumes.
May 22: Public and private beaches, boardwalks, lakes, and lakeshores reopen.
May 22: Campgrounds reopen.
May 26: Elective surgeries and invasive procedures, both medical and dental, resume.
June 1: Horse racetracks reopen, with no spectators allowed.
Stage Two (New Jersey is on track to enter Stage Two on June 15)
In Stage Two, moderate-risk activities restart. New Jerseyans continue to stay at home for the majority of the time.
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.
June 22: Swimming pools reopen.
In Stage Two, additional phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, will include:
In-person clinical research/labs
Limited fitness/gyms
Limited in-person government services
Museums/libraries
Stage Three:
In Stage Three, higher-contact activities restart with significant safeguarding. New Jerseyans follow all safety guidelines and respect social distancing.
Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, may include:
Expanded dining,
Critical in-office work,
Limited entertainment,
Expanded personal care,
Bars with limited capacity.
Precautions that apply across all stages include:
Work that can be done from home should continue to be done from home.
Clinically high-risk individuals who can stay at home should continue to do so.
All residents and businesses should follow state and federal safeguarding guidelines: wash hands; wear masks in public; respect social distancing; minimize gatherings; disinfect workplace and businesses; and no mass gatherings
For additional information on COVID-19, its impact on businesses, and mitigation requirements for businesses, please visit the State of New Jersey's COVID-19 Business Information Hub.
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