NJ Could Open Gyms, Barbershops, Salons In 'Matter Of Weeks'

New Jersey is expecting to allow the reopening of more non-essential businesses in a "matter of week," according to Governor Phil Murphy.

Indoor businesses where people are in close proximity, like gyms, barbershops and hair salons could reopen with restrictions in June, though Gov. Murphy told CNBC that no specific date has been set.

"Outside's easier than inside, so the toughest nuts to crack are inside, no ventilation, sedentary," Murphy said. "That means indoor dining is going to be more complicated than outdoor dining."

Some cities and countries have imposed onerous capacity restrictions on indoor restaurant dining. There is more hope for outdoor restaurant dining, however, as research indicates the novel coronavirus (which causes COVID-19) doesn't spread easily outdoors, particularly in sunlight.

The governor added that he's "hopeful that with the progress we've been making that that's a matters of weeks" for barbershops, beauty salons and gyms to reopen.

Murphy gave the okay last week for state parks and beaches to reopen in time for Memorial Day Weekend, with capacity restrictions. Shoreside restaurants will only be allowed to offer takeout and boardwalk attractions must remain closed.

Every U.S. state has in some capacity eased regulations meant to flatten the COVID-19 hospitalization curve, though the infection rate is increasing in most states.

One recent model revised the projected death COVID-19 death toll by mid-June upwards in virtually every state but New York, where the most densely-populated areas are still under the governor's PAUSE order.

Photo: Getty Images


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