MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues, and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

“With our COVID-19 numbers, particularly hospitalizations, trending decisively in the right direction and our vaccination goals within reach, now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” said Governor Murphy.

“We’ve done this the right way, in partnership with our neighboring states of New York and Connecticut, and by allowing data, science, and public health to guide our decision-making. Over these next few weeks, I encourage all remaining eligible New Jerseyans to get vaccinated so we can continue fighting back against this virus and move toward a ‘new normal’ for ourselves, our neighbors, and our loved ones.”

Social Distance-based Business Capacities
Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon a percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New Jersey and New York. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barbershops, and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.

Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits
In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Event Venues
Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated.

Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity, which is an increase from the current 10 percent capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Industry Reopening Requirements
While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the critical increase in demand for local services due to the pandemic, the Morristown Rotary Club is organizing a Culinary Adventure dining experience.

Patrons have been accustomed to attending the ‘Taste of Morristown’ event, and this year the Rotary Club is planning an exciting dining event that will take place on both June 1 or 8 (with a June 15 rain date) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at area restaurants.

All of the proceeds from this event will go to those in need in the community. $50.00 of the $100.00 ticket price will go to participating restaurants and $50.00 of each ticket will go to local food banks, veterans organizations, children’s organizations, and other local charities.

According to Denise Flanagan, event chair, “The Culinary Adventure is a wonderful way to support and enjoy Morristown area restaurants and support those in need in our community.”

At the event, sixteen guests will be seated in an outdoor space. The state/CDC guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Guests will be treated to a three-course prix fixe dinner at a Morristown area restaurant and enjoy personal interaction with the chef who will share his or her specialty, and/or describe the artistry of your meal.

Reservations close ten days prior to the event date. Guests who wish to be seated together should place one combined paid reservation to guarantee that they are at the same location (Patrons will be responsible for gratuities and alcoholic beverages). Part of the adventure is that your location is secret until a week prior to the event. At this time patrons will receive a personalized invitation with all of the details. For more information, and to purchase tickets, go to www.morristownrotary.org. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

The Morristown Rotary Club is the local chapter of an international humanitarian service organization consisting of community volunteers. Rotary meets weekly to discuss, adapt and plan service projects, recognize members’ successes and achievements, and enjoy fellowship. More information can be found by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — All six vaccine mega-sites are open for walk-in vaccinations.  Residents, 16 and up can come to the mega-sites between select times.

Locations of the mega-sites are:

• Morris County Megasite (Rockaway Townsquare, 301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
• Atlantic County Megasite (Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City): 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Bergen County Megasite (Racetrack at Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
• Burlington County Megasite (Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Gloucester County Megasite (Rowan College of South Jersey, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Middlesex County Megasite (New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Pre-registration via the Atlantic Health site remains the preferred method by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the easing of restrictions for a variety of activities and higher outdoor capacity limits, effective May 10. The changes, which include higher outdoor gathering limits, higher large venue outdoor capacities, higher maximum capacities for private catered events, and more, come as COVID-19 metrics are on the decline and as more New Jerseyans continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

“Our robust COVID-19 vaccination program is starting to show results through lower COVID-19 case metrics including a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Murphy. “This allows us to take steps so that New Jerseyans can have a much more normal summer including allowing for students to celebrate important milestones and events like graduations and proms in person. We hope to announce further reopening steps in the coming weeks as more and more state residents get vaccinated.”

“The continued cooperation with public health preventive measures and increasing vaccination rates among New Jersey residents allows for this easing of restrictions in the state,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  “We encourage all residents 16 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It will not only protect you, but it will help us drive down community spread, so we can reopen the state further.”

The changes include:

Outdoor Gatherings
The outdoor gathering limit will be raised to 500 persons from 200 persons. COVID-19 metrics will continue to be evaluated with the hope of raising the limit again, perhaps considerably, prior to Memorial Day.

Large Venue Outdoor Capacity
Outdoor capacity limits will be raised to 50% capacity for venues with 1,000 fixed seats or more. The current limit is 30% capacity for venues with 2,500 fixed seats or more.  All attendees at these events are required to be six feet apart from other attendees, except that individuals who purchase or reserve tickets together may be seated together, but must be six feet away from all other groups or individuals in all directions.

Maximum Capacity for Indoor Certain Indoor Activities
Capacity limits for indoor private catered events, including proms, will be raised to 50% capacity of the room in which the event is being held with a maximum of 250 individuals. The current limit is 35% capacity of the room in which the event is held with a maximum of 150 individuals.  These events must continue to follow all indoor dining protocols

The limit for political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and performances occurring indoors will similarly increase to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 individuals.  Indoor religious services will continue to operate at 50% capacity, without a numerical cap.

Dance Floors at Indoor Catered Events
Dance floors will be permitted to open at indoor private catered events, including proms with masking and social distancing requirements in place.  Dance floors will remain closed at bars and other related businesses, such as nightclubs.

Graduations and Proms
Schools and universities will be able to utilize the newly-raised outdoor gathering and large venue capacity limits to hold more robust graduation ceremonies.  Proms will benefit from the increases to indoor private catered event capacity and the allowance of dance floors at such events. The Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) will be issuing guidance to assist schools and institutions in preparing for these end-of-year events.

Carnivals and Fairs
Effective May 10, carnivals and fairs are explicitly permitted to operate at outdoor amusement business capacity limits, which currently stand at 50% capacity.

An Executive Order and guidance will be issued on both day and overnight camp operations on Wednesday, April 28.

Click here to review a copy of DOE Guidance

Click here to download a copy of OSHE Guidance

MORRIS COUNTY — Romeo, and Julietta are siblings and are a bonded pair. They were found in the parking lot of Starbucks in October and were trapped and neutered, but we didn’t have the heart to put them back outside for a long cold winter ahead. We decided we would foster them and try and socialize them but I knew I couldn’t keep them. They have been in our heated garage and they are being well taken care of. We know they are ready for a home environment and would love to find them their furever home together. Romeo likes attention and is more outgoing than his sister but she relies on him to feel more comfortable around people. She is very sweet. They have both come a long way since we have had them and are around a year old now.

They love to get treats, play with their toys, and love to sit in the sun and look out the window and watch the world go by.

If you are able and willing to open your heart and your home and take in Romeo and Juliet it is imperative they remain together. One would be lost without the other. Please know that you will need a gentle voice, a gentle touch, and a bit of patience so that Romeo and Juliet can build their trust and love for their new family.

They have comforted each other through thick and thin and have been so grateful not to wonder each day where they will sleep or get their next meal. Once they feel comfortable, they will give you hours of unconditional love. They will show how much they appreciate the opportunity to have a forever family each time you are close to them and you hear them purr!

Thank you for considering adopting this precious pair. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce is urging Gov. Phil Murphy to allow school graduations and proms to resume in June and not to place severe restrictions on the traditional ceremonies.

“Graduating from grammar school or high school is – or attending a prom – is a rite of passage for young people and a way for families to come together and to mark time,” said DeCroce.

“Students and parents have suffered a great deal of social separation in New Jersey in the past year. I think it’s time to lighten up on the restrictions and let families decide how they want to celebrate their children’s graduations and let our children enjoy the proms that will create a lifetime of memories for them.”

The cases of Covid-19 infection are dropping significantly and the number of people who have received covid vaccines is increasing, noted DeCroce. According to a recently published N.Y. Times report on Covid 19 – reported cases dropped 23 percent overall in the state in the last 14 days. In Morris County, the Covid infection rate is down 34 percent; while cases in Essex County went down 17 percent. Passaic County saw a slight uptick of 5 percent.  Only four counties in the state showed an increase in Covid-19 cases and in most cases the numbers were relatively small – less than 40.

Nearly 7 million vaccination doses have been administered in New Jersey with nearly 3 million people fully vaccinated, which represents a third of the population.

DeCroce said with vaccinations increasing daily, a majority of the state should be fully vaccinated by June.

“I’m not sounding the all-clear signal on the virus, but I believe people have enough information to decide for themselves if they want to attend a graduation ceremony and a prom — provided they take the correct precautions,” says DeCroce. “Let the parents and school board decide what is best for themselves.”

“For more than a year, state officials have been wagging their fingers at people and treating them like children. I believe it is time to treat our citizens like adults,” said DeCroce.