Restaurants across New Jersey can start opening for indoor dining this Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.
Restaurants will be limited to 25% capacity and must incorporate social distancing between tables, he said.
"Reopening responsibly will help us restore one of our state’s key industries while continuing to make progress against" the virus, Murphy tweeted.
Staff must wear masks at all times and diners must wear masks while not in their seats, Murphy said at a Monday news conference. Parties will be capped at eight.
Windows must be open for air flow and air conditioning units must be turned on to allow the maximum outdoor air to flow into dining areas, the governor added.
Movie theaters and indoor performance venues can also reopen on Friday, the governor announced. Theaters and venues will be capped at 25% capacity or 150 patrons -- whichever number is smaller, he said.
New Jersey ranks No. 8 in the country for COVID-19 cases, with over 191,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. Out of those tested across New Jersey on Thursday, 1.41% were positive, Murphy said Monday.