As we’re seeing COVID cases go up in the country again, we’d like to stress the importance of making sure you’re wearing a mask, getting tested, and keeping your distance when out and about.

Today, Governor Murphy announced some new restrictions for the state in light of the increase in cases. Here’s what you need to know:

Indoor dining

Effective November 12, restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges must close indoor dining by 10PM and cannot open indoor seating again until 5AM the following day. Outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery can continue past 10PM. This also applies to casinos – no food or drink will be available after 10PM, but gaming can continue.

Bars

Barside seating will be prohibited for all hours starting November 12. With this change, restaurants can place tables closer than six feet ONLY if separated by barriers. Heated dining bubbles can be used, as well, and must be sanitized between uses.

Youth sports

All interstate games and tournaments for indoor youth sports (up to high school) are prohibited for the time being.

New cases in New Jersey

Overnight, New Jersey has seen 2,075 new cases and 1,537 total hospitalizations. This is the first day since June 9th that the total hospitalizations has topped 1500.

309 individuals were reported in critical/intensive care with 94 individuals on ventilators. The state also reported 11 additional death cases.

New cases in the country

In this past week, the United States has seen an increase in COVID cases, marking the highest numbers of daily cases since the pandemic began. The US is currently close to 10 million with over 100,000 cases being reported daily.

New York’s updates

New York will be increasing the National Guard presence at airports to ensure compliance with the COVID entry policy.

When traveling out of state, New Yorkers and out-of-state travelers are expected to test within 72 hours of arriving to New York, quarantine for 3 days, and test again on the fourth day. If both tests are negative, you no longer have to quarantine. This “test out” process is required for all travelers EXCEPT for trips to neighboring states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Don’t forget to check covid19.nj.gov for any COVID-19 updates in New Jersey.
You can also download COVID Alert NJ, a free app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.