Mayor Thanks Murphy For Reopening Mills At Jersey Gardens

ELIZABETH, NJ — Elizabeth Mayor thanked Gov. Phil Murphy for his decision to allow indoor shopping malls to reopen amid the coronavirus crisis.

"I thank the Governor for acting on a request from many mayors in our state, who recognize the importance of revenue and taxes generated locally and statewide," said Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. "It is noted that mall management has prepared for the eventual opening with social distance and sanitizing paramount for the protection of employees and customers."

Bollwage had recently joined together with the mayors of Woodbridge, Bridgewater, Paramus and Wayne, advocating for Murphy to make this decision weeks ago. Read More: 'We Demand Action': NJ Mayors Call For Reopening Indoor Malls

Murphy said the indoor malls, which will reopen on Monday, June 29, are part of New Jersey's "lore" and he believes it's important that they resume operations as a way to boost the state's economy. Read More: Gov. Murphy To Allow NJ Indoor Malls To Reopen Amid Coronavirus

Here are the requirements for reopening indoor malls:

• All mall customers will be required to wear face coverings
• Stores must limit capacity to 50 percent
• Restaurants may provide take-out or outdoor dining
• Common areas such as food courts must remain closed or otherwise cordoned off
• Movie theaters and arcades must remain closed at this time
• Specific floor plans to eliminate congestion must be developed

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