NJ’s loosened COVID-19 restrictions allow for more traditional graduations, proms

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced an increased capacity for indoor catered events and outdoor gatherings beginning on May 10.

News 12 Staff

Apr 26, 2021, 8:39 PM

Updated 1,315 days ago

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Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced an increased capacity for indoor catered events and outdoor gatherings beginning on May 10.
High school students are applauding the change because it will allow for a more traditional prom and graduation during the pandemic. Indoor events can be expanded to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Dancing will also be allowed at prom.
There are now 2.8 million people fully vaccinated in the state and the rate of transmission is now at 0.90.
“We would hope to increase this yet again before Memorial Day, perhaps substantially,” Murphy said.
Outdoor gatherings such as graduations can increase to 500 people. Large venues, such as stadiums or anything with 1,000 seats or more, will bump up from 30% to 50% capacity. Stadiums will benefit even more once the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adjusts social distancing limits from 6 to 3 feet.
“We are aware that the CDC is currently reviewing outdoor guidelines. We will be prepared to relax 6-foot distancing should the CDC move in that direction,” Murphy said.
While dancing will be allowed at weddings and proms, it is still not allowed at nightclubs.
“Dance floors at bars and nightclubs will remain closed at this time,” the governor said. “They are less controlled and less hospitable to this virus.”
Murphy said that he expects the trend to continue to move down in the next two weeks. He said that guidelines on camps will be out in a few days.