Manasquan Business Expansion Amid COVID Right 'Step:' Mayor

MANASQUAN — Manasquan Mayor Ed Donovan said on Thursday the state's decision to expand the indoor capacity of bars, restaurants and other businesses is "a step in the right direction."

But he also questioned how much help it will bring to the borough's smaller shops and restaurants.

"When you are limited by space and social distancing, two or three chairs isn’t going to make a significant difference," he said. "I hope the indicators are moving us toward a more normal existence."

Gov. Phil Murphy said on Wednesday that indoor capacity limits will expand from 35 to 50 percent effective 6 a.m. on March 19. The expansion covers restaurants, bars, gyms, casinos, fitness centers, barbers, salons and personal care businesses. Read More: NJ Bars, Restaurants, Others To Expand To 50 Percent Amid COVID

"We feel confident in the steps announced today given the data we've been seeing over the past five weeks. On Feb. 5, when our restaurant capacity last changed, our hospitals were treating nearly 2,900 patients. That number has come down by 1,000 and been consistent since then," tweeted Murphy.

In Manasquan, Donovan said, businesses are "surviving for the time being. Most of them need a good summer season to carry them through the lean times."

Murphy also will increase the number of people allowed at gatherings from 10 to 25 people indoors and 25 to 50 people outside.

Murphy added that unlike other states that are "prioritizing politics over public health," such as Texas and Mississippi, the state's mask mandate will remain in effect and will continue to be enforced.

"We will continue to move deliberately, responsibly, incrementally guided by public health data," Murphy said.