REOPENING OF NJ INDOOR DINING IS POSTPHONED INDEFINITELY Terrence T. McDonald Jun 29, 2020
Indoor dining in New Jersey will not come back Thursday after all, a major blow to an industry that has struggled to survive since the coronavirus outbreak began in March.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday that after seeing a spike in coronavirus cases in states that have reopened indoor dining, he is postponing the return of indoor dining in New Jersey indefinitely.
"It brings me no joy to do this but we have no choice," Murphy said.
In recent days bars have had to close their doors a second time in California, Florida and Texas.
Murphy also noted that at some New Jersey restaurants, which were allowed to serve meals outdoors starting on June 16, he has seen reports of overcrowding and patrons not using face coverings.
"The carelessness of one establishment can completely undo the good work of many others," he said.
Last week, seven states — Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas — reported new highs for coronavirus hospitalizations, according to the Washington Post.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday ordered bars in Los Angeles and other areas to close due to the rising spread of the coronavirus in that state. Newsom had allowed them to reopen three weeks ago. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday shut bars entirely and scaled back restaurant capacity as a response to a coronavirus surge in that state.
Murphy said public health is more at risk because of people gathered at bars than seated inside restaurants. When the state gives the green light for indoor dining, he said, bars will be expected to keep congregating at a minimum.
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