8 Parks In NJ 'Overrun' This Weekend Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey reopened parks this weekend – and the state says at least eight of them were "overrun" (see list below).

The New Jersey Division of State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites made the statement even as Gov. Phil Murphy declared "so far, so good" when asked about the pubic's compliance following the park's reopening.

But Murphy, who announced thousands of new coronavirus cases this weekend and hundreds of additional deaths, said he's ready to shut the state and county parks again if social distancing isn't followed. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy also said on Sunday that he plans to hold a news conference at 12 noon on Monday, and will likely address schools. Patch will cover it live. "We will give you that guidance on Monday," he said.

The state parks division told the public that, in order to keep parks open and all visitors a safe distance from one another, people should visit close to home, mask up and and make their stays short.

The locations were overrun, state officials said:

• Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
• Bulls Island Recreation Area
• Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
• Hacklebarney State Park
• Round Valley Recreation Area
• Wharton State Forest
• Wawayanda State Park
• Worthington State Forest

"Consider visiting elsewhere today" the division told the public on Sunday.

Ramapo Mountain State Forest and Norvin Green State Forest reached capacity by 12 noon, officials said.

Murphy announced on Twitter earlier this week that he was signing an executive order to reopen New Jersey's state parks and allow golf courses and county parks to reopen.

This order was to take effect at sunrise on Saturday. Social distancing will continue to be mandated, he said.

Murphy said passive recreation will be allowed, so there will be restrictions:

• Parking will be capped at 50 percent of capacity
• Playgrounds, pavilions, visitor centers and restrooms will remain closed
• Picnics, organized activities and team sports will remain prohibited
• The state recommends wearing a face covering when social distancing is difficult to maintain