Local Operations Updates 

Indoor Dining To Reopen Sept. 4;
Also Movie Theaters, Indoor music Venues


Gov. Phil Murphy announced a significant step toward the reopening of New Jersey on Monday as COVID-19 trends continue in the right direction. He announced indoor dining can resume Friday, Sept. 4. Also, cinemas and indoor music venues for seated guests can reopen. All must adhere to 25% capacity and with social distancing restrictions.

The state will also allow increased capacity limits for certain indoor gatherings to the lesser of either 25 percent capacity or 150 individuals:. These include religious services and celebrations, weddings, funerals, memorial services and political activities.

For movie theaters, capacity will be capped at the lesser of either 25% capacity, or 150 people. Each showing, and each theater in a multiplex, will be subject to capacity limits. And if there are four screens, each screen will be held to the lesser of 25% capacity or 150 people

Gyms

New Jersey gyms can re-open Tuesday, Sept. 1 after being shuttered for six months to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times by clients and gym staffers. They must operate at 25 percent of their indoor capacity, which may mean a reservation system for some gyms. 

Gym equipment must be six feet apart. Temperature checks and questionnaires of staff and clients must be conducted upon entering the gym each time.  Names and contact information must be collected each time a member uses the gym for contact tracing efforts. The use of showers at most gyms is not allowed. It will be permitted at gyms with pools under certain guidelines. 

If a person at the gym tests positive for COVID-19, the gym must completely shut down for 24 hours. 

For more information, read the State's FAQ on Gyms.

Sept. 1: List of Businesses That May Open

Excerpted from the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub

Workplaces that do not have walk-in customers or products for sale, including office spaces, were never closed, but must allow employees to work remotely if their job can be performed remotely. At a minimum, businesses must have policies that require individuals to wear face coverings indoors when in close contact with others for long periods of time, and are strongly encouraged to follow safety and sanitization protocols. More info.

Retail businesses and indoor portions of retail shopping malls may open to customers, while following required mitigation requirements. More info.

Bars and restaurants are open for drive-through, delivery, takeout and outdoor dining, while following appropriate safety and sanitization protocols. Indoor dining is currently not allowed, however beginning September 4, restaurants may resume indoor dining at 25% capacity subject to mandatory health and social distancing protocols. More info.

Microbreweries and brewpubs may be open for home delivery. Depending on the type of license they hold, outdoor service may also be allowed. More info.

Child care centers can reopen their doors to all clients, while following all safety guidelines. More info.

Golf courses may open so long as they adopt minimum social distancing policies. More info.

Recreational businesses can reopen, while following required mitigation requirements.

Entertainment businesses can reopen, while following required mitigation requirements, with the exceptions of indoor concert venues, indoor movie theaters, and indoor performing arts centers. More info.

Playgrounds, outdoor amusement parks, and outdoor water parks can reopen, while following mitigation requirements. Indoor amusement parks and indoor water parks remain closed, however beginning September 1, they may reopen subject to mitigation requirements. More info.

Swimming pools can reopen, while following necessary mitigation requirements. Summer camps will be able to use their pools. More info.

Casinos, including casino gaming floors and retail sports wagering lounges, can reopen, while following mitigation requirements. More info.

Horse racetracks can reopen for racing and for in-person bets, while following necessary mitigation requirements. More info.

Construction may continue. Construction projects must follow appropriate mitigation requirements. More info.

Manufacturing and warehousing businesses may remain open and must follow social distancing and safety requirements. More info.

Personal care businesses may reopen, while following appropriate mitigation requirements. More info.

Libraries can reopen, while following appropriate mitigation requirements. More info.

Gyms and fitness centers may reopen outdoor spaces so long as they follow required social distancing and other safety protocols. Indoor spaces remain closed except for individualized instruction by appointment only. Effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020, gyms may reopen at 25% capacity. Masks will be required. Additional details will be added shortly. More info.

COVID-19 Short-Term Rental Assistance Program

The COVID-19 Short Term Rental Assistance Program will provide temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate- income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or have become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will offer an initial three months of temporary rental assistance, with the ability for the household to renew for an additional three months if needed. Approximately 20 percent of the rental assistance funds will be reserved for homeless families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More info on the state DCA website.


RAINE FOUNDATION

RAINE-LogoAre you in need of assistance? The RAINE Foundation – Reaching All In Need Everyday – is available. Contact the Hazlet-based group by visiting RAINEFoundation.com or the Facebook Page.


COUNTY RESOURCE GUIDE

Find resources in Hazlet and neighboring towns through the Monmouth County Pandemic Resource Guide (PDF), a publication by Monmouth ACTS.


HAZLET ALLIANCE

The Hazlet Alliance is sharing articles  and resources related to coping with COVID-19, as well as substance abuse.

CORONAVIRUS INFO RESOURCES
Visit the state’s NJ COVID-19 Information Hub to find a comprehensive list of services and information, including live updates of COVID-19 cases by county. The latest news from the governor’s office is summarized on our website. 

EMPLOYMENT
Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community. For more information, got to the NJ COVID-19 Job Portal.

Also visit these other sites to stay informed: