Gov. Phil Murphy says Atlantic City’s casinos will be able to reopen July 2 at 25% capacity.

The city’s nine casinos have been waiting for a reopening date for weeks, even as casinos in other states reopened.

The governor also said indoor dining can resume on that date, with restaurants also operating at 25% capacity.

Murphy says additional safety and health guidelines will be released in the coming days for casinos and restaurants. Many of the casinos have been planning on their own for a reopening, and have adopted measures including increased hand sanitizers and social distancing to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Murphy also announced that outdoor gathering limits have been increased to 250 people.

-NJ is among 4 states "on track to contain COVID" along with NY, Michigan, Massachusetts.

-Murphy announces changes to limits on gatherings: 250 persons now allowed at outdoor gatherings (and still no limits for outdoor religious or political activities; but attendees must follow distancing guidelines).  For indoor gatherings, the new limit is 25% capacity or up to 100 persons. The changes are effective immediately.

-The governor discussed the new guidelines that will allow casinos to reopen next month on July 2 with restrictions; he made that announcement earlier in the day.

-The governor warned that the state could pause the plan if data trends in the wrong direction.

-On the numbers, Murphy announces 359 new cases, 27 deaths in New Jersey in past 24 hours. The statewide death toll now stands at 12,895.

 -Gov. Murphy discussed some of the lives recently lost to COVID-19.

-Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli announces 1 more MISC child illness in the state for a total of 44.

-Persichilli notes that suspected overdose deaths are up by 20% this year over last year; she cites social isolation and job loss as some factors.