On November 9, Governor Murphy announced new COVID-19 precautions across the state of New Jersey. These changes range in topics from schools to restaurants, including sports and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as well.

Starting Thursday, November 12th, indoor school sports teams will not be permitted to cross state lines for games and tournaments. “It is simply not safe for teams to be crossing state lines at this time to participate in indoor competitions,” Murphy said. Murphy is also focused on providing PPE to low-income schools with the New Jersey State Police and Department of Education are distributing more than 2.4 million masks to students and educators.

For any students who work in restaurants, some protocols will be changing as well. Starting on Thursday, no indoor dining is permitted from 10 PM to 5 AM, but outdoor dining is permitted past 10 PM. Restaurants can only place tables closer than six feet apart if there is a barrier in place. Individual tables are also allowed to be placed in ‘dining bubbles’ outside if the bubble is fully enclosed. Bars will also not be permitted to have bar side seats.

Murphy also spoke with Dr. Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease director, who explained that a vaccine is up and coming. The vaccine is expected to be widely distributed by the spring of 2021. In the meantime, New Jersey-based businesses now have access to discounted PPE, which is part of the New Jersey Economic Development Administration’s plan of combatting COVID-19.

For more information visit the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub.