Indoor Dining Expansion Is 'Long Overdue,' Bridgewater Mayor Says

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench is hoping Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement Wednesday to expand indoor capacity for some businesses is not too late.

"This is a long-overdue step that we can only hope is not too little too late for our restaurant industry and so many other struggling businesses," said Moench. "Nothing short of 100 percent capacity will allow these businesses to begin the full healing process. I look forward to that day soon."

Murphy said indoor capacity limits will expand from 35 to 50 percent effective 6 a.m. on March 19. The expansion covers restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos, fitness centers, barbers, salons and personal care businesses. Read More: NJ Bars, Restaurants, Others To Expand To 50 Percent Amid COVID

"We feel confident in the steps announced today given the data we've been seeing over the past five weeks. On Feb. 5, when our restaurant capacity last changed, our hospitals were treating nearly 2,900 patients. That number has come down by 1,000 and been consistent since then," tweeted Murphy.

Murphy also will increase the number of people allowed at gatherings from 10 to 25 people indoors and 25 to 50 people outside.

Murphy added that unlike other states that are "prioritizing politics over public health," such as Texas and Mississippi, the state's mask mandate will remain in effect and will continue to be enforced.

"We will continue to move deliberately, responsibly, incrementally guided by public health data," Murphy said.

As of Wednesday, Bridgewater is reporting 15 new coronavirus cases bringing the total to 2,103 and 101 deaths.

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