Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday at his daily briefing an increase on the number of people allowed at outdoor and indoor gatherings, and in a statement, all 28 Republican members of the State Assembly called the governor's move "nothing short of complete hypocrisy."

 

Effective immediately, indoor gatherings can have either 25% of a building's capacity, or 50 people -- whichever is lower. All attendees must still wear face coverings and stay six feet from each other.

The governor's order doesn't apply to everything. Indoor dining is still not allowed and businesses, such as movie theaters and casinos, remain closed.

For outdoor gatherings, the number is now 100 people. Attendees should wear face coverings if it's difficult to social distance. People in cars do not count toward the limit.

The governor anticipates being able to raise the limit on outdoor gatherings to 250 by June 22, and 500 people by July 3.

But there will be an exception, allowing outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people for activities protected by the First Amendment, including outdoor religious services and political protests.

It comes as the governor faced criticism for attending two large Black Lives Matter protests in Union County over the weekend, seemingly in violation of his own executive orders. The governor says the pushback he's received was not an influence.

“This is unlike any other moment in our nation's history, we have to acknowledge that,” says Gov. Murphy. “We have to allow folks to get out there, rightfully, peacefully, but angrily protest and express themselves.”