This browser does not support the Video element.
Memorial Day picnic plans? Keep it to 25 people, Murphy says
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says that he is lifting the limit on outdoor gatherings from 10 people to 25 and that Memorial Day cookouts can go forward if people maintain social distancing.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday he is lifting the limit on outdoor gatherings from 10 people to 25 and that Memorial Day cookouts can go forward if people maintain social distancing.
Public and private campgrounds may also reopen, Murphy said during a news conference in Trenton, citing continuing positive trends in the state's coronavirus data.
“If you’re looking forward to gathering with your neighbors for a Memorial Day cookout, you may do so, as long as social distancing and personal responsibility remain the order of the day,” he said.
Indoor gatherings are still limited to 10 people, he said.
New Jersey reported about 1,400 new positive cases overnight, putting the overall figure at about 153,000. There were 146 deaths reported overnight, pushing the death toll to 10,985.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death.
A look at other developments:
___
STATE BUDGET
New Jersey faces a $10 billion revenue gap, Murphy said Friday. That's roughly a quarter of the state's nearly $40 billion budget. He said open minds are needed to find solutions to the fiscal crisis.
The Democrat-led Legislature and Murphy extended the fiscal year from June 30 to September 30 earlier this year.
Treasurer Liz Muoio is scheduled to give an update later on Friday.
___
ATLANTIC CITY HOTELS
Atlantic City’s mayor says hotels and online rental marketplaces may resume operations on May 29.
Marty Small made the announcement Friday. But there’s a big caveat: The order does not apply to the city’s nine casino hotels.
Hotels owned and operated by the casinos must remain closed until the state Division of Gaming Enforcement allows them to reopen. So far, no date has been set for the casinos to reopen. Earlier this week, Murphy, speaking of casino reopenings, said, “We’re just not there yet.”