Gloucester Township Mayor Happy With Indoor Dining Expansion

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township David Mayer is happy with Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement Wednesday that some businesses can expand their indoor capacity.

“We are definitely glad to see we are getting a step closer to moving beyond this global health crisis," Mayer said. "And although the rate of new cases has been declining in the state and the restrictions are continuing to relax, and we certainly are moving in the right direction, we are still encouraging people to be vigilant and take the recommended precautions such as social distancing and wearing face coverings. We will get through this together.”

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," Murphy tweeted.

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.