Garwood Will Not Impose Added COVID-19 Restrictions On Businesses

GARWOOD, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy gave towns the option to further restrict hours by closing nonessential businesses after 8 p.m. due to rising coronavirus cases, Garwood will not impose this.

"In Garwood, we will follow the 10 p.m. closing time as required. I do not support reducing it further. Our businesses are going to need a great deal of support from us as we close the fall and enter the winter months. Please join me in shopping local," said Garwood Mayor Sara Todisco.

Murphy signed an executive order Thursday granting municipalities and counties the option to close nonessential businesses after 8 p.m. Read More: Gov. Murphy: NJ Towns Can Add COVID-19 Restrictions On Businesses

The order comes amid further restrictions announced Monday, which mandates restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges in the state to close indoor service between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., effective starting Thursday. Read more: Gov. Murphy Clarifies New Rules For NJ Indoor Dining, Barbers

Many businesses in the area have been struggling amid the pandemic and some, such as Garwood Lanes, say the new restrictions will hurt them further. Read More: Hurting Garwood Family Business Takes Another Blow With New Rules

As of Friday, Garwood's Health Officer reported there have been 10 new coronavirus cases in the past week. Garwood now has a cumulative total of 83 positive cases and remains at 2 deaths.

"We continue to see a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases and this is true in the entire country, in New Jersey, in Union County, and right here in Garwood," Todisco shared on her Facebook page.

Todisco is asking residents to "Social distance. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. We must continue to follow these simple procedures in order to keep ourselves and others safe."

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