Gov. Murphy Issues NJ COVID Guidance For Easter, Passover

NEW JERSEY — With holidays such as Easter and Passover coming up, Gov. Phil Murphy urged people to keep gatherings within their "immediate bubble" amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Murphy addressed Passover gatherings at Wednesday's coronavirus news conference since the holiday begins Saturday evening. But the same regulations and guidance will apply for Easter on April 4.

Easter egg hunts must follow the current outdoor-gathering capacity of 50 people. New Jersey's limits for religious services stand at 50 percent capacity, but officials said people should continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.

"To those celebrating Passover, bless you. We wish you nothing but the very best," Murphy said. "But please keep your Seder to those in your immediate bubble this year so that everyone can gather next year."

New Jersey's general regulations for gatherings still apply, with limits of 25 people for indoor crowds and 50 people outdoors.

The holidays approach as New Jersey continues to make progress in vaccinations. But Murphy said Monday he will pause reopenings because of a regional surge in COVID-19 variant cases. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Surge In COVID Variants In NJ Will Delay Reopenings

New Jersey also saw a surge in infections in early January — a few weeks after the winter holidays — with more than 5,000 new cases most days.

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Cases have declined since the January peak to between 2,500 and 4,000 new cases per day. And the Garden State has loosened some regulations since Christmas, such as increased indoor-gathering limits from 10 to 25 people.

But state health officials echoed similar advice that they provided leading up to Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

"We ask that religious leaders notify their congregations of any livestreamed or televised services that may be available and provide them with suggestions on how they can create meaningful celebrations at home without gathering with large groups," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. "We also ask for their assistance encouraging their members/congregations to remain vigilant with mitigation efforts such as social distancing, masking, getting tested and cooperating with contact tracers."