NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Gov. Phil Murphy reported another 244 deaths on Thursday, bringing the statewide death toll to 9,946.
The statewide total of cases are now 142,701, with 1,216 new cases overnight, Murphy announced.
Long-term care facilities have seen 27,153 cases and 5,168 fatalities.
He also announced that new hospitalizations are down 66 percent since the peak of the pandemic.
Gov. Murphy announced during his briefing that the Jersey Shore and lakeshores will open for Memorial Day Weekend.
Local officials must establish capacity limitations and enforce social distancing measures such as limiting the number of guests.
Social distancing measures be required for beachgoers.
"We will leave it to local officials to determine how best to implement these measures," Murphy said. "We know there is no one-size-fits-all approach."
Shower pavilions, changing areas and restrooms will be open for visitors at the beaches, he said, adding that restroom facilities at parks will also reopen.
Boardwalk restaurants must continue to operate for take-out and delivery only.
Organized games and contact sports will be prohibited.
Concerts, fireworks, rides, and other events that may draw large crowds will also be banned.
While we are not ordering it, we highly recommend you wear a face covering," Murphy said.
"We are aggressively reviewing pool protocols," he said. Adding that guidance will be announced in a couple of days.Murphy
The federal Veterans Administration is providing five, 10-person Health Care Strike Teams who will join the staff at some of our long-term care facilities until June 30th, the governor announced.
They are expected to be in-state by the end of this week.
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