Gov. Murphy: NJ 'Ready To Move Forward' On COVID-19 Reopenings

UPDATE: Gov. Phil Murphy eased restrictions on proms, graduations and other activities in New Jersey on Monday. Read more: NJ Eases COVID Rules For Proms, Graduations, Other Activities

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy said he's "ready to move forward" and he planned to make a "major announcement" beginning at 1 p.m. Monday regarding reopenings in New Jersey amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Sources, however, told Patch that Murphy is not quite ready to take a step similar to those taken by California and Connecticut, both of which have set dates for large-scale reopenings. Both states say they're not willing to lift their mask mandates just yet.

Murphy said he was set to make the announcement beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday. Patch will broadcast the event live here: WATCH LIVE: NJ To Make Major COVID Announcement: What To Expect

"Tomorrow at 1 p.m., I will make a major announcement regarding our reopening efforts," Murphy announced on Twitter on Sunday.

"As our key metrics improve and our vaccination progress continues, we’re ready to move forward," he said.

Murphy is also expected to address beaches and graduations this week. Read more: NJ To Provide Graduation, Beach Guidance Amid COVID Crisis

In California, officials look to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, gatherings and recreational activities on June 15, though a statewide mask mandate will remain in place. Read more: CA To Fully Reopen June 15; 16 Counties Move Tiers

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that coronavirus business restrictions will end May 19 except for the state's mask mandate. Read more: CT Full Coronavirus Reopening: 5 Things To Know

New Jersey has not made any major announcements about capacity expansions or reopenings in about a month, and the state continues to have a number of limits set on outdoor and indoor gatherings. Read more here: More COVID Changes In NJ: What You Can Do Now – And What's Next

Murphy has been hesitant to reveal his plans for a possible large-scale reopening even as he's faced the issue at recent news conferences, and he's been questioned why New Jersey hasn't followed in Connecticut's footsteps.

Murphy has cited the state's distinction of having the highest population density in the nation – a factor that can encourage the spread of the virus – as a reason for waiting it out.

During his Wednesday news conference, however, a reporter noted that Connecticut's population and density are similar to New Jersey's.

"We're going to continue to open up incrementally," Murphy said. "And if we think there's an opportunity to be something, to do something bolder than incremental, we'll do it."

Murphy, however, said the numbers and reality "just don't suggest" that.

"And so you'll have to ask Governor Lamont in terms of his rationale on May 19th, but I know what our reality is here," he said. "The numbers have gotten somewhat better over the past week to 10 days. They're still not where we need them to be, but they are showing a trend that is beginning to build in the right direction."

Indeed, New Jersey's numbers have improved since that press conference, and on Sunday, the state revealed 1,516 new COVID cases – among the lowest numbers in six months.

Vaccinations also continue to progress in New Jersey. More than 2.7 million New Jerseyans are fully vaccinated and more than 4 million of the state's 9 million people have gotten at least one dose.

New Jersey, however, continues to "struggle" with variants and death rates that are among the highest in the nation. Read more: NJ 'Struggling' In CDC COVID Hot Zone: Highest Death Rate In U.S.

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