Summit Mayor: 50 Percent Restaurant Capacity Is 'Welcome News'

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit officials reacted on Wednesday to the news that Gov. Phil Murphy will allow New Jersey restaurants, bars, gyms, salons, and similar businesses to expand their indoor dining capacity to 50 percent as of 6 a.m., March 19.

This will be an increase from the 35 percent currently allowed amid coronavirus restrictions, However, seating will still not be allowed at a bar. READ MORE: NJ Bars, Restaurants, Others To Expand To 50 Percent Amid COVID

Summit Mayor Nora Radest said, “The announcement from the Governor’s Office is welcome news. During the past year, our local businesses have been struggling to survive. Expanding to 50 percent capacity will give restaurant and shop owners a much needed boost.”

But Radest noted, “I sincerely hope that people will not see the lessening restrictions and increasing availability of vaccines as a signal that we can let our guard down."

Coronavirus cases are still spreading in New Jersey, particularly as people start gathering again. As of Wednesday, the state reported 56 new deaths in 24 hours, as well as 1,961 current hospitalizations, 408 of those in critical care, 58 percent of those on ventilators, and 6 new cases of a variant "of concern," including one of the South African variant.

"I encourage everyone to enjoy dining in Summit’s excellent restaurants again and visiting favorite Summit businesses," Radest said, "but also ask that you please be safe while doing so. Wearing masks and social distancing until fully vaccinated are important protocols that must be followed.”

You can find the state's precautionary rules for customers, including mask-wearing when not eating, here.

Outdoor dining on Maple Street

Also of note as the weather gets warmer, Summit is closing Maple Street downtown for outdoor dining starting March 15.

One Union County mayor recently predicted that once it's going to be safe to reopen businesses, it may be "like the Roaring '20s." READ MORE: North Jersey Mayor Talks About Unexpected Year

To get a coronavirus vaccine through the sites in Union County, or at places like CVS and supermarkets, see Patch's updated story from Friday on where to get a vaccine or help getting one in Union County.

Where do you want to eat in Summit? Comment below!

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