New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Lifts Stay-At-Home Order, Outdoor Gatherings Up To 100 People Now Permitted
TRENTON (CBS/AP) -- New Jersey is entering the next stage of its reopening process. Gov. Phil Murphy lifted the state's stay-at-home order Tuesday afternoon.
It has been 80 days exactly since Gov. Murphy's stay-at-home order first went to effect.
"We cannot move through Stage 2 and into Stage 3, and beyond, unless we continue to see our numbers trending downward," Murphy said. "We cannot become complacent or irresponsible."
Murphy also signed an executive order raising the number of people permitted at indoor and outdoor gatherings. Groups of 50 people or less are now permitted at indoor gatherings and groups of 100 or less are allowed at outdoor gatherings.
He anticipates being apple to raise the limit on non-protest and non-religious activities to 250 people on Monday, June 22 and 500 people on Friday, July 3.
School districts are encouraged to prepare for a 500-person limit to be in place by the time graduations can resume on July 6.
"We can take these steps today because of the data and the prevailing science," Murphy said. "The data tells us that the time can be now. The science tells us that outdoor activities are far safer than indoor activities. We will continue to base our decisions squarely on facts and data."
Murphy reported 375 new coronavirus cases, bringing the statewide total to 164,796. Another 91 New Jerseyans have lost their lives due to COVID-19-related complications.
New Jersey officials are expected to release the guidelines public and private-club swimming pools must follow to ensure social distancing is being observed on Tuesday. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the swimming pools can reopen on Monday, June 22.
All other outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses are allowed to resume on Monday, June 22 with the exception of amusement parks, water parks and arcades.
During Monday's press briefing, Murphy announced summer camps can resume on July 6.
He also urged protesters to get tested for COVID-19, which includes himself and the first lady.
"To everyone who took to their streets and town centers, please go out and get tested for COVID-19. We cannot let what happened across New Jersey this weekend be undone by an outbreak. Tammy and I have just scheduled our tests," he said.
Nail and hair salons in new jersey will be allowed to open June 22, the governor said gyms and health clubs would be close behind, but hasn't provided a date.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
