Tri-State Travel Advisory in Effect as Additional NJ Businesses Allowed to Open

By Jim Pytell, Assistant Editor On Jun 24, 2020

Gov. Phil Murphy, along with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, announced a joint travel advisory today that directs all individuals traveling from states with a significant community spread of COVID-19 into New Jersey, New York or Connecticut, to quarantine for 14 days.

The advisory goes into effect at midnight tonight (Wednesday, June 24).

“Ours was the most impacted region in the nation, and among the most impacted in the entire world,” Murphy said. “We welcome everyone to New Jersey but we simply ask you to join us in our shared sacrifice to keep ourselves moving in the right direction. It is the responsible thing to do.”

Hospitalizations Continue to Increase

Despite positive developments in terms of new businesses opening, the state continues to see a bump in the total number of hospitalizations from the virus.

Murphy revealed that New Jersey’s total number of hospitalizations increased for the third straight day to 1,196, compared to 1,092 two days ago, and 1,029  three days ago.

“Even with the overall increase in new hospitalizations, the overall numbers remain in a place where we feel comfortable continuing with stage two of our restart,” Murphy said.

More Business Openings

Additionally, at today’s COVID-19 briefing, Murphy announced that on July 2, museums, aquariums, and indoor recreation activities such as bowling alleys, batting cages, shooting ranges, and boardwalk arcades, will reopen. The indoor facilities will be subject to a 25% capacity restriction.

Gyms and fitness centers will also be allowed to reopen on the same date, but only for individualized training by appointment only.

Libraries will also be able to open on July 2, also at 25% capacity. Previously, only curbside pickup was allowed.

Murphy added that indoor entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues and nightclubs will remain closed at this time.

“We will require all of these places to implement heightened standards of sanitation as well as other measures to allow proper standards of social distancing and the wearing of face coverings at all times,” Murphy said.

NJ TRANSIT

On Monday, July 6, NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail will return to full weekday schedules.

“NJ TRANSIT is taking this step now, before ridership increases to higher levels with businesses and offices coming back online, to provide the runway that it needs to properly communicate its social distancing protocols among commuters,” Murphy said.

A full set of safety plans from NJ TRANSIT can be found at njtransit.com/recovery.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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