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(Trenton, NJ/77WABC)-NJ Gov. Phil Murphy and NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a joint statement Wednesday indicating that restaurants in the five boroughs of NYC and in the Garden State will go to 50% of capacity effective March 19th at 6 am.
In New Jersey, we will continue to move deliberately, responsibly, and incrementally, guided by public health data,” said Governor Murphy. “We feel confident in this step given the improving metrics we have seen over the last several weeks in both New Jersey and New York City, as well as the continued ramp-up of our vaccination program. Our states will continue to work together to protect the health of as many residents as possible.”
“In New York State, our decisions are based on science and data and we are encouraged by the continued decline in infection and hospitalization rates,” Governor Cuomo said. “In partnership with the State of New Jersey, we have adjusted with rigorous testing and limited capacity indoor dining openings in New York City to expand to 50 percent. We will continue to follow the science and react accordingly. If we keep the infections down and vaccinations up, we will continue to stay ahead in the footrace against this invisible enemy and reach the light at the end of the tunnel together.”
Gov. Murphy announced the new rules apply to restaurants and bars, personal care businesses, recreation, and amusement businesses. He also said gatherings will increase from 10 people indoors to 25, and from 25 people outdoors to 50 effective March 19th.
Previously, Gov. Cuomo announced all New York restaurants can increase their indoor capacity to 75% also on March 19th.
In CT Gov. Ned Lamont announced CT restaurants are allowed to go to 100% capacity also on March 19th.
Many CT restaurant owners say limited space will not allow them to reach 100% capacity because tables must be kept six feet apart under Covid-19 guidelines.
