Governor Phil Murphy yesterday signed Executive Order No. 219, which increases indoor capacity limits from 25% to 35% for several businesses, including food and beverage establishments, entertainment and recreational businesses, and personal care services effective Friday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m.
The Executive Order also lifts the 10:00 p.m. curfew for in-person indoor restaurant service, however, local officials may continue to regulate the hours of operation of indoor restaurant service and indoor operations of other non-essential businesses after 8:00 p.m.
Religious ceremonies or services, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals, memorial services, and performances at entertainment centers have also been increased from 25% to 35% of the room’s capacity, up to 150 people.
While E.O. 219 raises the capacity for restaurants and others, it does NOT change restrictions on essential retail businesses, like new car dealerships. These restrictions were not as strict as non-essential businesses. For dealerships this means they must continue to:
- Maintain proper social distancing within their facilities;
- Require face coverings by employees and customers;
- Limit occupancy capacity to 50%;
- Frequently sanitize high touch areas of the showroom and service waiting areas; and
- Sanitize vehicles before and after service, test drives and upon delivery
Dealers should also ensure they are compliant with all OSHA and CDC guidelines, both of which have been incorporated into the Coalition’s dealership-specific program, NJ CAR Clean. Contact NJ CAR at 609.883.5056 for more information on becoming a NJ CAR Clean certified dealership.