Murphy expects more guidance for beaches, amusement parks before summer

Gov. Phil Murphy expects to update restrictions for beaches, amusement parks and arcades once summer nears the horizon, he said at Wednesday’s virus briefing.

“No news on beaches, amusement parks or arcades, but I would expect they will be on a list of guidance that we’ll be providing as we turn to the summer season,” Murphy said.

New Jersey’s beaches, boardwalks and lakes are already operating without outdoor hard capacity limits, though attendees must still observe social distancing and masking guidelines.

But some restrictions still exist. Public and private beaches must enforce restrictions prohibiting sports that would regularly put individuals within six feet of one another and limiting public restroom occupancy, among other things.

Arcades and amusement parks are subject to stricter limits. Indoor facilities must limit capacity to 50%, not counting staff, install hand sanitizer stations and adjust seating to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Arcades additionally must check the temperature of patrons before letting them inside.

Murphy faced fire for ordering beaches and parks closed last April, though virus research in the intervening year has shown the threat posed by COVID-19 is greatly reduced in well-ventilated and outdoor areas.

The governor has said the state is on track to vaccinate 70% of its residents by the end of June, a fact that suggests new guidance would loosen restrictions rather than impose new ones.