Gov. Murphy: NJ Playgrounds, Water And Amusement Parks To Reopen

Tom Davis
Updated ·2 min read

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Tuesday that playgrounds, water and amusement parks, as well as indoor recreation such as arcades, will soon reopen. He made the announcement as he announced an additional 382 coronavirus cases and 57 more deaths (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy said playgrounds, amusement parks and water parks will reopen on Thursday, July 2, just in time for the July 4th holiday. He said he will announce the reopening of indoor recreation, including arcades, on Wednesday.

The reopenings include rides on the boardwalks.

Here are the conditions for reopening.

  • The parks must reopen at 50 percent capacity, and specific health guidance is being finalized.

  • Face coverings will be required of staff and attendees "where practicable."

  • Rides will be configured so that they are 6 feet apart between groups, and they must be disinfected.

  • Distance markers must be placed.

"The rides will be in operation, but moreover, we want everyone to enjoy their time responsibly," Murphy said.

Murphy again pointed to statistics that showed the progress New Jersey has made in containing the virus, which has allowed for more reopenings.

A team of researchers and epidemiologists says New Jersey is one of only three states that's on track to contain COVID-19. Here are four big reasons why. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ 'On Track' To Contain Coronavirus; Here's Why

At the same time, New Jersey has also seen a rise in the percentage of cases involving young people.

In April, individuals between 18 and 29 years old made up 12 percent of COVID-19 cases in the state. Now, in June, that number has risen to make up 22 percent of cases. Read more: 'Concerning Pattern' As NJ COVID-19 Cases Rise Among Young People

The update comes as the number of cases rose to 169,734, and 12,949 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy is expected to soon announce guidelines for reopening schools. Read more: Gov. Murphy: 'Hard Dates' In NJ Coronavirus Reopening Blueprint

Watch Murphy here:

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This article originally appeared on the Mendham-Chester Patch