NJ Could Enter Stage 3 'In Weeks, Not Months:' Gov. Phil Murphy

NEW JERSEY - The Garden State is only hours into Stage 2 of the Road to Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic but eyes are already being cast towards Stage 3. And Gov. Phil Murphy knows what will determine that next step.

"It will be the numbers we literally show you every day," Murphy said during Monday's COVID-19 briefing. "Spot positivity, rate of transmission, new hospitalizations."

Murphy noted there are other factors that matter as well but those are the three primary ones his administration is focused on. And those, will be impacted by how the rollout of Stage 2 proceeds.

"Other data matters for other reasons," Murphy said, noting his belief that Phase 3 is weeks away, and not months. "I hope we will be giving some guidance on those steps later this week."

New Jersey is currently in Stage 2, having opened:

• June 15: Child care centers reopen their doors to all clients.
• June 15: Outdoor dining reopens.
• June 15: Non-essential retail stores reopen for indoor shopping.
• June 15: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies reopen for pick-up and drop-off services.
• June 15: Libraries reopen for curbside pickup.

Up next for Stage 2 is:

• June 22: Organized sports activities resume.
• June 22: Personal care businesses, including barber shops and hair salons, reopen.
• June 22: Swimming pools reopen.
• June 22: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 250 people (anticipated).
• June 29: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies begin to offer behind-the-wheel road tests and resume issuing new licenses and permits.
• July 3: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 500 people (anticipated).
• July 6: Youth day camps and summer programs can operate.
• July 6: Modified outdoor graduation ceremonies begin.

If all goes well and the numbers continue to trend downward, Stage 3 will allow higher-contact activities restart with significant safeguarding. New Jerseyans follow all safety guidelines and respect social distancing.

Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, may include:

• Expanded dining,
• Critical in-office work,
• Limited entertainment,
• Expanded personal care,
• Bars with limited capacity.

Precautions that apply across all stages include:

• Work that can be done from home should continue to be done from home.
• Clinically high-risk individuals who can stay at home should continue to do so.
• All residents and businesses should follow state and federal safeguarding guidelines: wash hands; wear masks in public; respect social distancing; minimize gatherings; disinfect workplace and businesses; and no mass gatherings

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