NJBIA learned from the Governor’s office on Friday that businesses that conduct indoor instructional activities – such as dance studios, music lessons, martial arts training, gymnastics and arts and crafts, as well as escape rooms and all arcades – will be allowed to open at 25% capacity under established safety guidelines, starting on July 2.
Earlier this week, the governor announced the reopening of indoor recreation, such as libraries, museums, aquariums, bowling alleys and others for July 2. NJBIA was disappointed by the exclusion of indoor instructional businesses and engaged the front office in a discussion of why they should be included. Actions included a statement from NJBIA and the New Jersey Business Coalition, a group of more than 100 leading business and nonprofit groups, calling for the safe reopening of all New Jersey businesses that currently remain closed.
NJBIA also worked with some 200 dance studios owners to send a letter to Governor Murphy detailing the inconsistencies of allowing the reopening of certain businesses, while keeping instructional businesses shuttered.
“More work needs to be done,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said. “There are businesses that still need to reopen and others need more capacity to survive or thrive. But rest assured, NJBIA will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of members during these challenging times.”