A Frequently Asked Question page listing what businesses may be open in New Jersey has been updated to include additional indoor recreational activities, as of July 2.
According to the state’s updated and official COVID-19 FAQ page, found here, facilities or studios for dance, karate, arts and crafts, music lessons, theatre programs, gymnastics, indoor tennis and yoga are now permitted to reopen with 25% capacity and required face coverings.
There is a list of requirements for reopening, including social distancing and face coverings, which can be found at Paragraph 7 a-r of Executive Order 157. (Please see pages 13-17).
NJBIA strongly advocated for the inclusion of these added activities. These activities join facilities like museums, aquariums, bowling alleys, batting cages, shooting ranges and arcades that were originally announced as part of Executive Order 157 last month.
According to the language of the Executive Order, any facilities registered with the state as gyms, fitness centers or health clubs must remain closed, but can comply with protocols for individualized training sessions found in Section 10 of EO 157. (Please see Page 18).
Indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, and nightclubs remain closed. Indoor amusement parks and water parks also remain closed.
It’s great to see NJ business reopening. Thanks to Governor Murphy’s leadership, we are seeking a steady decline in infectious disease case rates and deaths. Just today, scientists are concern about the airborne transmission of the microdroplet nuclei that can form when water and mucus dries out leaving the small viral particles suspended in air. Without consideration for improvements in building ventilation, air filtration and airflow, we may see a resurgence of cases if the occupancy density rises without any changes. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and their local section are looking at this issue closely for the protection of workers, public and the environment. For more information contact AIHA at: http://www.aiha.org.