Montclair COVID Reopen Updates: Dining, Shopping And More

Eric Kiefer
·6 min read

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Recovering from the coronavirus shutdown has been a slow process, Montclair. But there’s good news: the “new normal” is getting closer.

Montclair's restaurants, stores, businesses and other cultural institutions continue to reawaken from the COVID-19 shutdown that threw a devastating monkey wrench into New Jersey’s economy.

A new wave of adjustments will come when restaurants get the go-ahead to reopen for limited dining indoors on Thursday, July 2.

In addition, several entertainment venues and industries will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity on July 2, including museums, bowling alleys and arcades.

Read More: Gov. Murphy: 'Hard Dates' In NJ Coronavirus Reopening Blueprint

See the township's COVID-19 information page here. Catch up on the latest updates in Montclair below.

RESTAURANTS/BARS

New Jersey restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen outdoors on June 15. Customers were banned from eating inside, and must wear face masks if they go inside to use the bathroom or pick up a takeout order. Patrons with "medical reasons" or children under two don't have to wear masks.

On July 2, New Jersey's restaurants will be given the go-ahead to reopen for dining indoors. Eateries will be limited to 25 percent capacity.

Earlier this month, Montclair officials released a set of guidelines for local restaurants that wanted to get the ball rolling again with outdoor service on June 15. READ MORE: Montclair Restaurants Can Reopen Outdoors (See The Rules)

Like others in New Jersey, Montclair's eateries will have to follow state regulations. In Montclair, restaurants that want to create so-called "sidewalk cafés" must be licensed, officials said.

"All efforts will be made by the Montclair Health Department to expedite the review and processing of permit applications," town officials stated. "Should you have any questions please contact the Montclair Health Department at 973-509-4970."

Some Montclair establishments that have announced plans to reopen for outdoor service include Tierney's Tavern, Cafe Moso, De Novo European Pub, Hunan Taste and La Rocca.

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RETAIL SHOPPING/MALLS

Nonessential retail stores were allowed to resume online/phone ordering and curbside pickup in New Jersey on May 18. Limited in-person retail was cleared to reopen on June 15.

Indoor portions of retail shopping malls across the state will be allowed to reopen for customers on Monday, June 29. Restaurants inside malls can only offer takeout and delivery, but can offer in-person service at outdoor areas. Employees and customers must wear face coverings while on the premises, with exemptions for medical reasons or children under 2.

Montclair town officials have taken several steps to help local business owners cope with the crushing effects of the coronavirus crisis, including offering $150,000 in grants, closing some streets and offering limited free parking.

According to municipal officials, Montclair's COVID-19 recovery plan was developed by the township council with input from local business leaders. It follows guidance from the state, the CDC and local health experts.

On June 23, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of the 11th District visited Montclair to check out the town's progress reopening. She gave a shout out to Java Love, Barbara Eclectic, the General Store at Cornerstone, Pink Bungalow and Zoe.

"We discussed how businesses have redesigned for reopening safely and the PPP," Sherrill tweeted. "I am so impressed by how our local businesses have come together to support each other during these unprecedented times."

HAIR SALONS, BARBERSHOPS, SPAS

Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care businesses were allowed to reopen in New Jersey on June 22.

The reopen issue surrounding the industry was particularly thorny in Essex County, where hundreds of fed-up hairdressers and barbers from across New Jersey rallied for a "peaceful photoshoot" in May.

PLAYGROUNDS/FIELDS/PARKS

Playgrounds in New Jersey will be allowed to reopen on July 2.

Baseball, softball, soccer and outdoor basketball sports were allowed to resume in New Jersey on June 22, but were limited to non-contact drills and practices. Non-contact football drills also resumed on June 22. Baseball, softball, soccer and outdoor basketball competitions can resume in New Jersey on July 6. Full football practices and competitions should be able to resume by July 20.

“Passive recreation” such as running, hiking and biking was allowed again in state parks on Saturday, May 2. Counties and municipalities were able to decide for themselves whether to keep local parks open or closed.

Montclair reopened its own township parks in line with Gov. Murphy's order on May 2.

In Montclair, officials have also reopened the town's tennis, basketball and skateboard courts. Social distancing is mandatory at each.

GYMS, FITNESS CENTERS

New Jersey will allow gyms and fitness centers to open for “individualized training sessions” on July 2. No group workouts or open hours will be allowed, and clients must make appointments.

In Montclair, the YMCA has begun planning new safety procedures for those seeking a workout (see video below).

LIBRARIES

Libraries will be allowed to reopen indoors in New Jersey on July 2.

The Montclair Public Library began offering curbside pickup and returns of library materials on June 22 (learn more here). The building remains closed to the public.

ENTERTAINMENT

Several types of entertainment venues and industries will be allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity in New Jersey on July 2, including museums, bowling alleys and arcades. However, movie theaters, concert venues, performing arts centers and night clubs must remain closed for now, Gov. Murphy said on June 24.

The Montclair Art Museum closed its doors to visitors on March 13. See updates here.

Essex County reopened the Turtle Back Zoo on June 18. Several surrounding attractions, such as the paddle boats at South Mountain Recreation Complex, the Treetop Adventure and Zip Line and the miniGOLF Safari have also reopened.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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This article originally appeared on the Montclair Patch