Gov. Phil Murphy announced the first new limits as the uptick in COVID-19 cases continues.
“New Jersey is back at levels we thought we left behind months ago,” he said Monday. “We have to snap back to reality.”
Murphy also said he met with Dr. Anthony Fauci, who said “a vaccine on the horizon.”
He expects a broad distribution could happen in an April to May timeframe.
“This won’t be forever,” Murphy said of new rules that will close indoor dining at 10 p.m.
“We have a six-month window to beat the fatigue back and beat the virus into the ground,” he said.
Atlantic County has seen a huge increase this month, after finishing a previous high in October.
The first nine days of the month saw two days surpass 100 in new cases for the first time.
November has more than 2½ times the number of new cases in the first week and a half than October. It’s nearly eight times more than the September cases.
Monday saw the lowest amount of new cases this month in Atlantic County with 69.
That included 13 new confirmations in Galloway Township and 12 in Egg Harbor Township.
Hamilton Township, Northfield and Pleasantville had seven new cases each, with Atlantic City, Hammonton and Mullica Township each confirming five more.
Egg Harbor City confirmed three new cases, two in Absecon and one each in Buena Borough, Somers Point and Weymouth Township.
A death in Pleasantville announced Saturday was the first since Oct. 28, bringing the county total to 261.
The new 10 p.m. indoor dining cutoff will not impact delivery or takeout. Casinos will also have to follow it, but only for dining. Gaming can continue around the clock, the governor said.
Restaurants will be allowed to have tables closer than six feet but only if separated by barriers.
There is also the option for fully enclosed “dining bubbles” outside that will be available to one party and must be disinfected after each use.
Sen. Cory Booker said he will be pushing for more federal help for the state.
“This crisis is growing,” he said. “It demands a big response. Lives could be lost because of our inaction.”
TOTAL BREAKDOWN BY MUNICIPALITY
