Gov. Murphy Hopes To Open NJ Indoor Dining, Movie Theaters Soon

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Wednesday news conference, said he hopes to reopen indoor dining and movie theaters very soon. Murphy announced that New Jersey has 288 new coronavirus cases and 11 more confirmed deaths (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy, during the news conference, also provided more details on his plans to reopen gyms and indoor amusements. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Gyms, Indoor Amusements Can Reopen Amid Coronavirus Crisis

During the conference, Murphy was asked if he has plans to reopen indoor dining before Sept. 14.

"I hope it's before then," Murphy said. "I hope we've got some indoor dining before then."

As for movie theaters, Murphy said, "I hope they move at the same time" as indoor dining.

"If the data stays as good as it is, I hope we beat that date (Sept. 14)," Murphy said.

Murphy said the plans remain "fluid" and that he's impressed with what New Jersey has done so far to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the schools.

The update comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, School Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Last week, Murphy nixed demands that New Jersey reopen businesses in the same way he's reopening schools, saying that education is not practiced in a "one-size-fits all" statewide fashion and "not every family is configured or looks the same and has the same degree of freedom as others."

Murphy appeared to be responding to a joint letter from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, which said: "It appears that deferring to industry experts and local officials for COVID-19 reopening decisions is the proper process, except when it comes to the reopening of our businesses."

"The New Jersey Business Coalition has repeatedly called for a regional approach to the reopening of New Jersey's economy. In doing so, the coalition noted the DOH's current reporting of COVID-19 cases on a county-by-county basis," the statement read. "It recommended that a grid of 'safe' vs. 'cautious' counties can easily be developed."

The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association also put out a statement saying the organization repeatedly asked for a meeting with Murphy to discuss reopening indoor dining and was rejected.

Marilou Crane Halvorsen, who heads the trade group, noted that Murphy, during his Wednesday news conference, "called me out by saying 'I only texted him today requesting a meeting.' "

Since then, they have met and Murphy has said the meetings have done well.

Watch Murphy here:

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This article originally appeared on the Asbury Park Patch