What You Can Now Do In Cranford Amid NJ's Changing COVID Rules

CRANFORD, NJ — As of Wednesday, capacity limits were removed at New Jersey's restaurants, gyms, and retail establishments — with some precautions remaining in place, like social distancing in restaurants and indoor masking. Certain changes were only for those who've been vaccinated for at least two weeks. READ MORE: Big NJ Reopening Day: What You Can (And Can't) Do Now Amid COVID

The CDC said last week that it considers people "fully vaccinated" two weeks after their final shot.

Gov. Phil Murphy cited increased statewide vaccination efforts and public health metrics as reasons to begin lifting restrictions this week. Read about the percentage of Cranford residents vaccinated here: This Percentage Of Cranford Residents Are Now COVID Vaccinated, By Age Group

However, the state's daily death rates and hospitalizations have still not come near the low numbers in early September, after lockdowns. From Tuesday to Wednesday, 21 new deaths from the virus were confirmed statewide. On Sept. 8, only 2 deaths were reported in one day.

Among the changes that took place Wednesday:

• Indoor dining – Indoor dining was limited to 50 percent capacity. Wednesday, the state removed the 50 percent rule, but maintains the six feet of required distance between tables, except that tables can be closer than six feet where restaurants use partitions that comply with Department of Health requirements. Additionally, the prohibition on more than eight people at a table was lifted, so large groups can sit together again.
• Retail businesses, which were at 50 percent indoor capacity, can be at full capacity
• Gyms, which were at 50 percent indoor capacity, can be at full capacity

Gov. Murphy updated his announcement Wednesday by offering incentives to get vaccinated: COVID Shot In NJ Now Gets You Free Beach Pass, Glass Of Wine

Read more about the changes here, and watch Patch for updates: READ MORE: Big NJ Reopening Day: What You Can (And Can't) Do Now Amid COVID

With additional reporting by Anthony Bellano and Nicole Rosenthal.

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