TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey will raise its gathering size limits and increase indoor capacity at businesses including restaurants, gyms and salons next week, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday.
Restaurants, recreational and amusement businesses, gyms and fitness clubs, barbershops, salons and other personal care businesses will be allowed to increase their indoor capacity to 50% starting March 19, Murphy said at a news briefing Wednesday afternoon.
The state will raise the cap on outdoor gatherings that are not "religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals or memorial services" from 25 to 50 that day, the governor said.
It will also raise its cap on indoor gatherings that are not religious services, political events or performances that day, from 10 to 25.
"We feel confident in the steps announced today given the data we've been seeing over the past five weeks," Murphy said.
Hospitals across New Jersey were treating nearly 2,900 COVID-19 patients on Feb. 5, the governor noted. Since then, that figure has dropped by around 1,000, he said.
As of Tuesday night, 1,961 New Jerseyans were hospitalized with COVID-19, 408 of whom were in intensive care and 235 of whom were on ventilators.
New Jersey on Wednesday also reported 3,047 new positive COVID-19 test results and 56 new virus-related fatalities, bringing the state's death toll to 21,294.
"Unlike some states where governors are prioritizing politics over public health — Texas and Mississippi immediately come to mind — our mask mandate remains in effect and will continue to be enforced," Murphy noted.
"We will continue to move deliberately, responsibly and incrementally, guided by public health data," he added. "As our weather finally becomes warmer, I'm encouraging everyone in the strongest possible terms to engage in social activities outside whenever possible."
