Gov. Murphy says NJ restaurants, gyms, casinos can increase indoor capacity to 35% starting Friday
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced during a Wednesday morning news conference that restaurants and gyms across the state can expand their indoor capacity limits.
Beginning February 5, indoor dining capacity at restaurants will be capped at 35%, upped from the previous 25%. Murphy said the statewide 10 p.m. restaurant indoor service limit will be lifted, however local restrictions may remain in place.
The prohibition on seating at indoor bars will remain in effect, he said, as it creates the danger of close and prolonged proximity between patrons, bartenders, and servers.
The announcement got mixed reviewed from Garden State restaurant owners.
"Doesn't really do much for us, particularly with the six-foot requirements. So, we'd really love to have a little bit more capacity. Go up to at least 50%, 75% would be awesome," said Matt Bacon, owner of the Whistlers Inn in Cinnaminson.
The expiration of the 10 p.m. limit is welcomed news to Nick Manousos who owns Throwbacks Bar & Grill in Delran.
"The 10 o'clock is big for us, especially just in time for the Super Bowl. I couldn't imagine telling guests three-quarters of the way into the game that, 'Hey, you have to leave now," said Manousos.
The change in capacity limits also impacts indoor entertainment and recreation areas - including casinos and personal care businesses.
Murphy said the changes are possible because hospitalizations due to the virus have gone down by about 20% over the last three weeks.
"I think it's pathetic. I think it's a joke. I think he doesn't have a conscience. I don't know how he sleeps at night," said Martino Cartier who owns a salon in Washington Township.
Cartier says he has seen a number of his friends forced out of business because of Murphy's COVID-19 restrictions.
"When I came here my rent was $6,000, it's now $9,000. And we're not allowed to use all these beautiful stations behind you, but you can go to Walmart," Cartier said.
The capacity limits have hobbled restaurants and led to calls from some Republicans to let businesses reopen. Murphy, a Democrat, credited his administration for not raising and lowering capacity limits multiple times.
"We go up responsibly," Murphy said.
Murphy said as of Wednesday morning, 837,225 vaccinations had been administered across the state. That number includes 691,229 first doses and 145,979 second doses.
All six of New Jersey's mass vaccination sites reopened on Wednesday after appointments had to be rescheduled Monday and Tuesday due to winter weather.
"In addition to those who were already scheduled for their vaccinations today, our mega-sites will also begin serving those whose appointments from the past two days were rescheduled because of the storm," Murphy said.
To reach the Vaccination Call Center dial 855-568-0545.
An additional federal retail pharmacy program will launch next week in New Jersey through a partnership with CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid.
"Since most Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, this program will expand our vaccine footprint in areas of high need," Murphy said.
On Wednesday, the state reported 2,021 new positive PCR tests and 508 new positive antigen tests.
Murphy said there were 52 deaths overnight, putting the death toll at 19,506.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
