Stricter COVID rules take effect in NJ Thursday, governor says
Gov. Phil Murphy announced stricter coronavirus rules in New Jersey Monday, including restrictions on bars, restaurants and casinos. Starting Nov. 12, indoor dining and drinks will be not be allowed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Takeout and delivery services, as well as outdoor dining, are still permitted. In addition to dining restrictions, all interstate games and tournaments for indoor youth sports are prohibited, starting Thursday.
"It is simply not safe for teams to be crossing state lines at this time to participate in indoor competitions," Murphy wrote on Twitter.
The rules come on the heels of rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in New Jersey, as well as a testing positivity rate that exceeds the threshold health experts recommend. "We’re taking steps today to mitigate the current increasing rate of spread," Murphy added.
"The last thing I want to do is shut our economy back down. Thankfully, we’re not at that point."