You Can Get Married: NJ Clarifies Sports, Gathering Restrictions

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy clarified this week the provisions of his new executive order limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people – as of this coming Monday – and banning all indoor sports as of this coming Saturday.

And, yes, you can still have a wedding.

The clarification comes just as New Jersey on Thursday had its highest number of cases ever in one day: 4,913. Sixty-four more deaths were reported.

"This pandemic is nowhere near over," Murphy said. "We can’t give up the fight now. Mask up. Social distance. Wash your hands."

Executive Order 204, signed by Murphy on Monday night, specifically lowers the outdoor gathering limit for social gatherings from 150 people to 25 people, effective this coming Monday at 6 a.m.

It also pauses indoor practices and competitions for youth and adult sports from this Saturday at 6 a.m. through Jan. 2, 2021.

But there are exceptions to the rules, including for weddings, religious gatherings, and more.

The specifics (and their exemptions) are:

Outdoor gatherings

The 25-person limit applies to outdoor concerts, high school football games, or other outdoor gatherings. These gatherings continue to be subject to strict social distancing restrictions, including the requirement to wear masks whenever it is not possible to social distance.

Exceptions:

The following are not subject to the outdoor 25-person limit:

• Outdoor wedding ceremonies
• Funerals
• Memorial services
• Religious and political activities
• Athletes, coaches, referees and other individuals necessary for a professional or collegiate sports competition
• For other adult and youth sports occurring outdoors, the number of people necessary for a game or practice can exceed the 25-person limit.

Indoor adult and youth sports:

Indoor sports practices and competitions, including group, competitive and/or organized sporting activities for youth and adults, will be prohibited. But there are exceptions.

Exceptions:

This prohibition will not impact:

• Collegiate and professional sporting activities.
• Private fitness classes and lessons
• Trainings at gyms, studios, and similar locations

Addiction support groups

The governor also made a change, within the order, about indoor meetings of addiction groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. He said they are not limited to 10 individuals indoors, but will instead be limited to 25 percent of the capacity of the room in which they take place, up to a maximum of 150 individuals.

Holiday activities

The governor clarified this week certain guidelines for holiday gatherings, such as visits with Santa and caroling. READ MORE: NJ Issues Rules, Guidance for Winter Holidays, Celebrations

What about indoors?

• General indoor gatherings must be limited to 10 people. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wear face coverings and stay six feet apart.
• Indoor gatherings for weddings, funerals, or memorial services must be limited to 150 people or 25 percent of a room's capacity – whichever number is lower.
• Indoor gatherings for religious and political activities protected under the First Amendment must be limited to 150 people or 25 percent of a room's capacity – whichever number is lower.
• Indoor gatherings for entertainment centers where performances are viewed or given, including movie theaters, performing arts centers, and other concert venues, must be limited to 150 people or 25 percent of a room's capacity – whichever number is lower.
• Legislative and judicial proceedings are not subject to the limits on indoor gatherings.

The reasoning

Murphy said on Monday, “As we battle the second wave of COVID-19, we must continue to take all steps necessary to prevent needless infections, hospitalizations, and deaths from this deadly virus. While there is hope on the horizon in the form of several vaccines, in the interim, we are taking these steps today to protect our communities."

He added, regarding sports, "It is our intention for indoor sports to resume in the new year, but this can only happen if our state remains committed to the fight against COVID-19.”

At a press conference Monday, Edward Lifshitz from the state Department of Health said that there had been at least 100 coronavirus cases in the state tied to youth hockey.

Murphy said, "I hope and intend to see the winter sports season in January. But we are seeing outbreaks related to indoor sports and this a prudent, short-term step to slow the spread."

Read more here: Gov. Murphy Limits Outdoor Gatherings To 25; Halts Indoor Sports

Deaths on the rise

The state says there have been more than 15,000 confirmed deaths in the state due to coronavirus, and 4,350 new cases and 56 more deaths were reported on Wednesday. More than 3,200 New Jersey residents are hospitalized with the virus.

Doctors have said that a number of factors are contributing to the fact that deaths are still lower now than in spring, including people getting test results (and thus treatment) sooner, more protective equipment available in hospitals, and doctors becoming better able to treat the virus. However, the virus still can have long-term effects.

Most counties 'high risk'; many schools remote

Now that the state is in the second wave of the virus, most New Jersey counties have been designated "high risk." Many school districts are remote this week, due to the "high risk" designation and concerns about Thanksgiving gatherings.

More than 266,000 Americans have died from the virus so far. More than 900 health care workers have died of the virus nationally.

Here are statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

Carly Baldwin contributed reporting to this story.

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