Gov. Murphy: NJ Movie Theaters To Resume Amid Coronavirus Crisis

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Monday news conference, said movie theaters, indoor performance venues and indoor dining can resume this week. He made the announcement as he revealed 352 additional coronavirus cases and eight more deaths (you can watch it here, below).

He also raised the indoor gathering limits to 150 people, or 25 percent capacity, for religious services, weddings, funerals and memorial services and political activities.

Murphy also said indoor dining will resume at 25 percent capacity beginning at 6 a.m. on Friday. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Indoor Dining To Resume Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Murphy announced that movie theaters and indoor performance venues can resume on Friday as long as capacity is capped at 25 percent, or 150 people.

He said groups can sit together but others must be 6 feet apart. Masks must be worn at all times but they can be pulled down for eating popcorn and other theater food.

During the news conference, Murphy also announced rules for indoor dining:

• Parties must capped at eight people, and tables must be 6 feet apart.
• Staff must wear masks all times.
• Diners must wear masks when not in their seats.
• Food and beverages can only be consumed while seated.
• Diners must keep masks on while waiting for food and once they're eating and drinking is finished. "Walking around with a drink indoors will not be tolerated," Murphy said.
• You can only order food while seated at your table and only staff can bring you food and beverages.
• You can dine at the bar but you must be properly socially distanced.
• Groups seated at the bar must be capped at 4 people
• Air conditioner units must be turned for outdoor air to flow into dining areas.
• Windows must be open for air flow into dining areas
• Restaurants must post signage saying that no one with a fever can enter the establishment.
• Restaurants are encouraged to take reservations
• Customers should wait in their cars if they have to wait for a table, and if social distancing can't be maintained in outdoor waiting areas.
• Buffets and salad bars are prohibited.
• Restaurants should disinfect all commonly touched areas, such as menus.
• Physical barriers should be posted at cash registers.
• Employers must do daily health screenings of their staff.
• Restaurants should ensure ventilation, heating and air conditioning units are working properly.
• Air conditioning and heating units must be run two hours before and two hours after the facility is occupied.

"We have been working hard now for several months to get to this point," Murphy said. "I am proud we are doing this today."

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

Watch Murphy here:

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