A new Executive Order has been signed by Governor Murphy to lift some of the pandemic restrictions across NJ, including mask and social distance requirements, with some exceptions.
Summary of Executive Order 242 (effective May 28 and June 4, 2021):
Lifting the mask mandate in indoor public spaces.
Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces will continue to have the ability to require masking for employees, customers, and/or guests.
Per CDC guidance, masks will continue to be required in health care settings, including long-term care facilities and office-based settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation, as well as transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Additionally, also per CDC guidance, child care centers and facilities, youth summer camps, and public, private, and parochial preschool program premises and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, are not affected by this announcement and continue to be governed by existing requirements.
Indoor worksites that are not open to the public remain governed by existing health and safety protocols that employers must follow.
Masks will continue to be required in public-facing state offices, such as Motor Vehicle Commission agencies.
Lifting the six-foot social distancing requirement.
The requirement will be lifted in businesses, including retail stores, personal care services, gyms, recreational and entertainment businesses, and casinos, and indoor gatherings, including religious services, political activities, weddings, funerals, memorial services, commercial gatherings, catered events, sports competitions, and performances.
Businesses and entities overseeing indoor spaces can continue to require social distancing should they choose.
Lifting prohibition on dance floors at bars and restaurants. The prohibition on ordering and eating/drinking while standing at bars and restaurants will also be lifted.
The following changes will go into effect Friday, June 4:
Removing the general indoor gathering limit, which is currently at 50 people.
Removing the indoor gathering limit for political gatherings, weddings, funerals, memorial services, performances, and other catered and commercial events, which is currently at 250 people.
Removing 30 percent capacity limitation for indoor large venues with a fixed-seating capacity over 1,000.
Please note that the above relates to State-required restrictions. Businesses can still require masks and social distancing if they choose. It is also per the business whether to require proof of vaccination.
Stay tuned to our blog, social media, and e-blasts for updates on how to apply to this funding as we learn more.
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