Nonessential retail stores in N.J. to reopen June 15 with limited capacity as coronavirus outbreak slows
Shoppers will be allowed to go back inside most retail stores in New Jersey with restrictions starting June 15 after more than two months of lockdowns to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that nonessential businesses can begin operating at limited capacity as the Garden State enters the second stage of its multi-phase recovery plan during the coronavirus pandemic.
The capacity limits have not been announced by the governor.
Murphy also announced that outdoor dining will be allowed starting June 15, while hair salons and barbershop may resume having customers on June 22. Gyms, libraries, museums, and some government services — such as the DMV — will also be permitted to reopen in “Stage 2,” but he did not announce set dates for those.
“The next big step in our restart and recovery is just two weeks away,” the governor said during his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton. “We’re ready to begin moving forward. We are ready because this progress is being seen across the state. I firmly believe we are going to stay on track.”
The move comes as New Jersey — home to the second-most COVID-19 deaths and cases — sees it outbreak continue to slow and as the state’s economy suffers widespread unemployment and business losses.
Many retail stores have been closed to customers since March 21 as part of Murphy’s sweeping stay-at-home orders to fight the spread of COVID-19. The governor permitted those stores to reopen for curbside service only beginning May 18.
Essential stores — like supermarkets and home repair — have never closed.
