Indoor Dining Expansion Will Have Positive Impact On Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani is happy with Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement Wednesday to expand indoor capacity for some businesses.

"I am happy to see the capacity limits increase as this will have a positive impact on our business community that has been so devastated by the virus. We look forward to more increases as we move forward with increased vaccinations," said Mayor Shawn Lipani.

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 Tuesday, Hillsborough is reporting 22 new coronavirus cases bringing the total to 2,517 and 88 deaths.

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