NJ to raise limits on outdoor gatherings, increase capacity at large venues: Murphy

TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey will raise its limits on outdoor gatherings and increase capacity at large venues at the end of the week, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday.

The state will increase its outdoor gathering size limit to 200 people beginning Friday, April 2 at 6 p.m., Murphy said.

It will also lower the threshold at which venues are considered "large venues" from 5,000 to 2,500 that day, the governor said.

Venues that qualify as "large" under the state's new rules will be allowed to increase their indoor and outdoor seating capacities to 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively.

"We know this virus is many times more transmissible indoors than it is outdoors," Murphy said. "As the weather continues to get warmer, we urge everyone to engage in social activities outside whenever possible."

New Jersey reported 3,174 new positive COVID-19 test results and 16 new fatalities on Monday, the governor noted.