PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced tighter coronavirus restrictions on Monday in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
At a noon media briefing, the governor announced a ban on indoor youth and adult sports for the rest of the year, as well as a further limitation on outdoor gatherings from 150 people to 25 people.
Murphy said the state has seen outbreaks of COVID-19 related to indoor sports, and said he hopes the pause on indoor sports -- from Dec. 5 through Jan. 2 -- will help slow the spread of the virus.
The governor noted that college-level and professional teams will not be affected.
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The lower limit on outdoor gatherings begins on Dec. 7. The only exceptions include religious or political activities, which are protected by the U.S. Constitution, as well as funerals and wedding ceremonies.
The governor also noted that outdoor restaurant dining will not be affected by the new limit.
Murphy is also calling on workers and staff at long-term care facilities to be tested more frequently and he wants that done according to their work schedules.