WATCH: NJ Makes Major COVID Announcement On Reopenings

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Murphy made a "major announcement" regarding reopenings in New Jersey amid the COVID pandemic on Monday (you can watch it here, below).

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

Murphy said he was "ready to move forward" regarding reopenings in New Jersey amid the COVID crisis. But the announcement was not expected to be one that sets a date for a full reopening – or do similar to what's happened in Connecticut and California.

Watch Murphy here:

Sources told Patch that Murphy was not quite ready to take a step similar to those taken by California and Connecticut. Both states say they're not willing to lift their mask mandates just yet. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ 'Ready To Move Forward' On COVID-19 Reopenings

Instead, it was expected that Murphy would address capacity issues – particularly at restaurants and bars that are currently operating at 50 percent capacity, excluding employees. Banquet halls can host private events at 35 percent of the room capacity or 150 persons.

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

Here are other areas Murphy was expected to address:

Outdoor gatherings and sports

Those wanting to gather outdoors and enjoy the spring weather in New Jersey now have more flexibility as Murphy recently increased the general outdoor gathering limit to 200 individuals.

The previous limit was 50. Religious services, weddings, funerals, memorial services and political activities remain uncapped in outdoor settings, Murphy said.

Indoor and outdoor gatherings

The general indoor gathering limit has remained at 25 people for more than a month.

For entertainment centers where performances are given such as movie theaters, performing arts centers and other concert venues that are not considered "large venues", the indoor limit is capped at 35 percent of the maximum capacity. The limit must never be larger than 150 people, excluding the entertainment center's staff.

Travel

According to Murphy, "fully vaccinated" Garden State residents who travel domestically in the U.S. aren't required to self-quarantine after their trip, or get a COVID-19 test before or afterward – a significant shift from recent state recommendations.

Regarding international travel, a negative test result or proof of recovery is required for all travelers entering the United States following air travel. All travelers should then self-monitor for symptoms during and after travel and self-isolate if symptoms should develop.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks or more after receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks or more after receipt of a single-dose vaccine.

Unvaccinated travelers and residents returning from any U.S. state or territory beyond the New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware region should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodging following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for unvaccinated people.

Schools

Murphy has said that New Jersey should expect all schools to reopen in the fall as COVID-19 vaccine availability continues to expand, with teachers and perhaps even children getting the opportunity to be immunized.

And he indicated early this month that New Jersey is strongly moving forward in this direction now that a much smaller group of school districts are fully remote. Read more: NJ: 'Unmistakable Movement' To Get Kids Back Into Classrooms

Murphy's announcement came as 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

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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