Indoor Dining Should Have Reopened Months Ago, Warren Mayor Says

WARREN, NJ — While Warren Mayor Michael "Mick" Marion is happy indoor dining can reopen on Friday, he says Gov. Phil Murphy should have made this decision months ago.

"Gov. Murphy’s decision at this point, while good news for restaurants, is obviously late to the table (could not help the pun). This decision was better suited for local municipal leaders to make, guided by the CDC and their local Health Officials," Marion said. "Warren has proven to be a successful model in opening up outside dining and working directly with owners of these establishments to assist them in doing so. Not only have residents shown their appreciation of these efforts by flocking to Warren establishments, but the residents have proven their commitment to social distancing and respect for each other, while trying to get back to some sense of normalcy. We are committed not only to the health and well-being of our residents, but also to our local economy, which needs to be supported all the more now."

Murphy announced Monday that restaurants across the state will be able to open for indoor dining beginning at 6 a.m. this Friday, Sept. 4, at 25 percent capacity and with social distancing between tables. Read More: Gov. Murphy: NJ Indoor Dining To Resume Amid Coronavirus Crisis

"Like most in the restaurant/hospitality/tourism industry, we are not only happy — but grateful at this latest decision to allow for indoor dining. It's no secret that Downtown Somerville has had a rough go. Where other downtowns/Main Streets were able to close streets to accommodate expanded outdoor dining, our position as a state highway (and the subsequent rejections from DOT to close Main St.) prevented us from making similar accommodations," said Natalie Pineiro, executive director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance.

Although happy about the reopening, Pineiro went on to say that the 25 percent capacity is a good place to start.

"But we hope that in a short time the Governor will consider raising those capacity limits even further. The reality is that 25 percent capacity only works while combined with outdoor dining, and even with a mild fall — we're looking at maybe only another six weeks or so of viable outdoor dining weather. And so while we’ll take this small victory, we’ll continue to advocate with our counterparts across the State for safe/responsible indoor dining at an increased capacity," Pineiro said.

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As of Tuesday, New Jersey has a total of 192,290 coronavirus and 14,170 deaths. Somerset County has a total of 5,425 cases and 493 deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Along with capacity limitations, the state issued a list of rules for indoor dining:

• Restaurants can only open indoors at 25 percent capacity.
• Parties must capped at eight people, and tables must be 6 feet apart.
• Staff must wear masks all times.
• Diners must wear masks when not in their seats.
• Food and beverages can only be consumed while seated.
• Diners must keep masks on while waiting for food and once they're eating and drinking is finished. "Walking around with a drink indoors will not be tolerated," Murphy said.
• You can only order food while seated at your table and only staff can bring you food and beverages.
• You can dine at the bar but you must be properly socially distanced.
• Groups seated at the bar must be capped at 4 people
• Air conditioner units must be turned for outdoor air to flow into dining areas.
• Windows must be open for air flow into dining areas
• Restaurants must post signage saying that no one with a fever can enter the establishment.
• Restaurants are encouraged to take reservations
• Customers should wait in their cars if they have to wait for a table, and if social distancing can't be maintained in outdoor waiting areas.
• Buffets and salad bars are prohibited.
• Restaurants should disinfect all commonly touched areas, such as menus.
• Physical barriers should be posted at cash registers.
• Employers must do daily health screenings of their staff.
• Restaurants should ensure ventilation, heating and air conditioning units are working properly.
• Air conditioning and heating units must be run two hours before and two hours after the facility is occupied.

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