New Jersey Lifting The Stay-At-Home Order

Press release from the Borough of Kinnelon:

June 10, 2020

The Governor announced today, Tuesday, June 9th, that as numbers of new infections and hospitalizations continue to fall, New Jersey is lifting the stay-at-home order!

The order was put in place nearly three months ago to slow the spread of the coronavirus as the reopening plan nears Stage 2 with nonessential retail set to allow customers inside again next week.

Progress with fewer numbers of newly infected people and deaths in recent weeks is the reason cited for lifting the unprecedented restrictions that had been put in place. He issued the stay-at-home order March 21.

Along with this lifting of the order, it is urged that everyone continue to act responsibly and be safe. It is also recommended that when the public does venture out, that face coverings continue to be worn when appropriate and social distancing from others is practiced. It is also recommended that places of business continue to allow employees to work from home, when possible. Proper social distancing measures must be in place if businesses do bring employees back to work places.

Churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship may reopen to indoor services with new capacity limits after months of restrictions. The order, which is effective immediately, affects indoor gatherings broadly.

The executive order now allows people to gather indoors at either 25% of a building’s capacity or 50 people in total — whichever number is lower. People must also wear face coverings and stand six feet apart.

Overall, the number of new coronavirus deaths, cases, and hospitalizations are down dramatically since peaking in April. The state is set to enter Stage 2 of its multiphase reopening on June 15, when restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor dining and nonessential retail will be permitted to welcome customers back inside, though at half capacity.

As part of the Stage 2 reopening plans, hair salons and barbershops will reopen with restrictions June 22. Gyms, libraries, museums and some government offices are also expected to reopen during the stage, though there is no specific timeline yet for those.

Meanwhile, child daycare centers in New Jersey can reopen June 15, outdoor, non-contact organized sports can resume June 22, and youth day camps can operate beginning July 6, all with restrictions. Also, live horse racing can return, without fans, as early as this weekend.

The Governor also raised the number of outdoor gatherings. He anticipates outdoor gatherings “on non-protest and non-religious activities” may be able to grow to 250 people on June 22 and to 500 people on July 3. The latter would permit graduation ceremonies.

It’s truly great news that Stage 2 is on the way. It’s important to remind the public that social distancing, hand hygiene, enhanced disinfection and the use of masks when appropriate, must continue to be diligently be practiced.

The executive order will be signed shortly and those seeking the exact details of what is permitted should refer to the signed order and any accompanying guidance documents once they become available.

This press release was produced by the Borough of Kinnelon. The views expressed here are the author's own.