Point Beach Dining Expansion Amid COVID Right 'Step:' Mayor

POINT PLEASANT BEACH — Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra said on Thursday the state's decision to expand the indoor capacity of bars and restaurants is a "much-needed step in the right direction."

Kanitra added: "We have to get back to normal as soon as possible."

"From the data I’ve seen, experts believe 30 percent of New Jersey has already had COVID and 20 percent have been vaccinated," he said. "That total of 50 percent would seem to warrant even more opening up to get businesses vital revenue."

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.

Kanitra said his town's businesses still have a lot of lost revenue to make up as a result of all of the restrictions.

"Capacity limits and restrictions on congregating at bars have affected them tremendously," he said. "They need to be able to operate as normally as possible to get through this difficult time."

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.