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June 21 would have marked three months since Murphy implemented the order to help combat the spread of coronavirus. Face coverings and social-distancing are both required when leaving the house, Murphy said. Click here for the newly-released guidelines for New Jersey's swim clubs.
The state is gearing up to enter Stage 2 of the reopening process, with nonessential retail set to reopen next week.
"No one should reopen until they feel fully competent in their ability to do so," Murphy said.
The governor also will be implementing a 500-person limit for graduations, which can resume July 6.
Indoor gatherings can be increased to 25 percent of a building's capacity OR 50 people total -- whichever number is lower, Murphy aid. The limit on outdoor gatherings increased from 25 people to 100 people, he noted. Both are effective immediately.
Murphy on Tuesday permitted the reopening of outdoor recreational and entertainment businesses that were ordered closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with exceptions of amusement parks, water parks and arcades.
The limit on non-protest and non-religious activities to was increased to 250 people as of June 22 and 500 people come July 3.
"We can take these steps today because of the data and the prevailing science," Murphy said, citing the consistent downward trend in new coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations across the state.
"The data tells us that the time can be now. The science tells us that outdoor activities are far safer than indoor activities. We will continue to base our decisions squarely on facts and data."
This is a developing story. Check back for more.
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