New Jersey to relax coronavirus restrictions on weddings, proms

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Monday announced a major loosening of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, including new guidance for proms, weddings and graduation ceremonies.

At a press conference, Murphy explained that indoor venue capacities for weddings, proms, funerals and music performances would be increased to 50 percent of their total capacities and added that the state’s Department of Education would issue specific guidance related to proms and graduation ceremonies.

The restrictions will also allow dance floors, where social distancing is virtually impossible, to reopen at such venues.

“We want to give businesses the ability to plan ahead,” Murphy said on Monday.

“We fully expect to continue our streak of announcing expansions and sticking to them,” he added, referring to further efforts to reopen the state and loosen COVID-19 restrictions.

Indoor venues will now be capped at 50 percent up to a maximum of 250 people, while small outdoor gatherings will be capped at 500, according to the state’s guidelines. Larger outdoor venues, such as stadiums, will be capped at 30 percent attendance.

“While this may preclude some stadiums, like our minor league baseball stadiums, for example, from being able to reach a full 50 percent, we know that this is a welcome step and an advance from the current 30 percent capacity limitation and for venues with less seating that were previously excluded from this category,” the governor said.

His remarks come as New Jersey’s coronavirus infection rate is dropping after reaching another peak earlier this month. The state reported just under 1,500 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday.