Gov. Murphy Postpones NJ Indoor Dining Reopen Amid Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Monday news conference, said he has to "hit pause" on the reopening of indoor dining in New Jersey. He made the announcement as he said New Jersey has 156 new cases of the coronavirus and 18 more deaths (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy said indoor dining will reopen "at a later date," but he didn't specify. It was supposed to resume on Thursday.

Murphy said the spikes in other states were largely driven by the reopening of indoor dining and bars. He also cited the scenes at the Jersey Shore and elsewhere, where people have been congregating in close proximity, as a reason to step back.

"We do not believe it is prudent with what, is in effect, a sedentary activity," Murphy said.

Murphy appeared to be referring to videos of bars and restaurants in Sea Bright and Belmar that have shown people partying and drinking while not practicing social distancing. Read more: What Virus? Videos Show Crowded Donovan's Reef, D'Jais

"Overcrowding. A complete disregard for social distancing. Very few, if any, face coverings. The scenes we see in our newspapers and on social media cannot continue," Murphy said on Twitter.

"I recognize that there are many more establishments whose owners, managers and customers have been responsible, who have lived up not just to the guidance we’ve released, but to the spirit of community in helping to protect patrons and residents," he added.

Murphy said not being able to wear a face covering while dining indoors was also a "game-changer," and the fact that ventilation is not nearly as good inside as it is outside.

He noted that all other indoor activities that have reopened require a face covering.

His decision drew a sharp rebuke from Republican Sen. Kip Bateman, who said many restaurants "are struggling to survive."

"Why can one stroll in an indoor big box store for an indefinite amount of time, yet they cannot dine at a local restaurant on Main Street?" he said. “Restaurants that are able to open for outdoor dining are only taking in a small fraction of their regular revenue. Every day they are prevented from getting closer to normal operations, more local eats will go out of business."

Murphy said he' concerned, too, but he said the health risk is too much.

"Am I concerned about the livelihood, the viability of the hospitality industry? Absolutely, period," he said. "I have a bigger concern about people getting sick inside of establishments, reigniting a wave and then devastating both those establishments as well the economy."

Murphy reminded people of his mantra, that "public health creates economic health."

"Sometimes that sucks and this is one of those moments where you'd love to have it both ways," Murphy said. "We just don't feel we can take that step responsibly."

Murphy did say he can reverse this decision "within weeks."

Murphy did indicate that New Jersey's numbers, which have been declining sharply compared to other states, were showing some concerning signs of rising since much of the state has reopened over the past month.

He specifically pointed to the rate of transmission, which is among the lowest in the country but has risen in recent weeks:

The update comes as the number of cases has risen to 171,272, and 13,138 confirmed deaths were reported. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Malls reopened on Monday. The experience that's become so familiar to millions of New Jerseyans is now very different. Read more: Here's How To Shop At NJ Malls Starting Monday Amid Coronavirus

Watch Murphy here:

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