Manasquan Won't Impose 8 p.m. Curfew Due To COVID-19

MANASQUAN — Even though Gov. Phil Murphy gave towns the option to further restrict hours by closing nonessential businesses after 8 p.m. due to rising coronavirus cases, Manasquan will not follow suit.

Mayor Ed Donovan said the only thing the governor is allowing towns the option of doing is closing restaurants and nonessential businesses at 8 instead of 10.

"He already stopped service and seating at the bars in restaurants, so I don’t think we would benefit by doing that," he said.

The governor’s executive orders prohibit Manasquan from enacting a general curfew or imposing any restrictions that “...might in any way interfere with or impeded its achievement, or the achievement of administrative orders," Donovan said.

Manasquan had 114 cases as of Tuesday, a 15 percent increase since Oct. 29th where there were 99 cases, according to the Monmouth County Health Department.

Murphy signed an executive order last Thursday granting municipalities and counties the option to close nonessential businesses after 8 p.m. Read More: Gov. Murphy: NJ Towns Can Add COVID-19 Restrictions On Businesses

The order comes amid further restrictions announced last Monday, which mandates restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges in the state to close indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., effective starting Thursday. Read more: Gov. Murphy Clarifies New Rules For NJ Indoor Dining, Barbers

Murphy also reduced limits on gatherings – including those on Thanksgiving – because coronavirus cases have risen sharply. Murphy told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that New Jersey is reducing the limits on indoor gatherings from 25 to 10 people beginning Tuesday, and on outdoor gatherings from 500 to 150 people beginning Nov. 23. Read More: Gov. Murphy: NJ To Lower Gathering Limits Amid Coronavirus Spikes

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