New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy has announced that casinos in the state will be permitted to reopen at limited capacity from July 2, after more than three months closed as a results of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Casinos have been closed since March 16 as part of a ban on gatherings of up to 50 people in the state, in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Murphy said that casinos will be permitted to open from July 2, just ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, at a maximum capacity of 25%.
This comes as restrictions on gatherings are gradually being eased, with a new executive order signed by the Governor allowing indoor gatherings of up to 100 persons, or 25% of a room’s capacity. Outdoor gatherings of 250 people are also now permitted.
“While we are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the common-sense public health measures that New Jerseyans have been complying with are now allowing for us to expand capacity limits,” Murphy said.
“We will continue to evaluate and make reopening decisions based on data, science, and facts.”
Murphy also said further information regarding health and safety measures will be released in the coming days, adding that if any visitor refused to comply with safeguards, they would be escorted out of the casino.
“We’re not going to tolerate any knuckleheads trying to ruin it for those who wish to enjoy themselves responsibly,” Murphy said.
New Jersey would become the latest state to permit casinos to reopen, following the likes of Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio.