As many states begin to lift mask mandates after the updated guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Jersey was one of the few states to hold out on any changes.
Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday, May 24th, that New Jersey is lifting its mask mandate and changing social distancing rules. Murphy’s new guidance for the state, which will take effect Friday May 28th, just before Memorial Day, gives New Jersey residents who are fully vaccinated, the option to remove their masks and face coverings in most scenarios. This excludes settings such as health care facilities, schools, jails, child care centers, and public transportation networks.
Murphy did state businesses can continue to require customers and employees to wear coverings. However, businesses can not ask customers to remove a mask if they enter with one on.
Additionally, dance floors at bars and restaurants may also reopen Friday in New Jersey and the requirement that you must be seated while ordering and drinking/eating will end Friday as well. Indoor gathering limits, as well as outdoor venue capacity limits (including at MetLife Stadium), will be lifted June 4.
NEW: Effective May 28th, we will lift the requirement for maintaining six feet of social distancing in indoor and outdoor settings.⁰⁰Per @CDCgov guidance, social distancing will continue to be required in settings where masking is required. pic.twitter.com/YzxzIVkDx8
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 24, 2021