NJ Announces More Reopenings Amid COVID: Indoor Dining, Casinos

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy announced some additional major reopenings on Monday, just as large portions of New Jersey's economy restarted.

Murphy announced on Monday that indoor dining may resume on July 2nd, limited at first to 25 percent capacity.

Casinos also may reopen on July 2nd, operating at 25 percent capacity.

Racetracks may also reopen for in-person bets on July 2nd, and indoor capacity at catering halls will also resume on the same day.

Additional health and safety guidance will be released within the next several days, he said.

"We have stayed true to our two overarching principles that public health determines economic health and data determines dates," Murphy said.

Murphy also spoke to the public on Monday and cautioned them to stay vigilant and avoid causing spikes in the disease that have been seen in other states. The limit on outdoor public gathering was also raised to 250 people on Monday. Read more: Gov. Murphy Allows More NJ Reopenings, Raises Limit On Gatherings

The updates come as the number of cases has risen to 169,415, and 12,895 people have died, the latter being the same number as Sunday. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The updates also come as pools, barbers, hair salons and sports were allowed to resume on Monday. Read more: Another Big NJ Reopen Day: Here's What You Can Do Now Amid COVID

Assemblymen John Armato and Vince Mazzeo, both D-Atlantic, released the following statement in response to GMurphy’s announcement that casinos and indoor dining in New Jersey will be allowed to reopen:

“This is beyond welcome news for Atlantic City and New Jersey as a whole. For months, casino workers have struggled under the weight of mounting bills and were betrayed by an unacceptably antiquated, over-burdened and under-performing unemployment system. To hear that they can now go back to work under safe and measured conditions must be a huge relief for their families. We’re thrilled that moment has finally arrived, and just in time for Fourth of July weekend and the summer tourism season. We look forward to seeing Atlantic City safely welcome tourists to casinos and restaurants in the coming weeks.”

The governor also said that New Jersey would have to "put a brake" on reopenings if the state saw coronavirus spikes like the ones impacting other states that have restarted their economies.

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

The update also comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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