TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey’s playgrounds, water and amusement parks, libraries and museums reopened Thursday after a monthslong pause because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Atlantic City’s casinos also reopened, though without smoking, drinking and indoor dining.
New Jersey continues to reopen businesses from the near-total closure from the outbreak in March, currently in Stage 2 of three.
Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday reported there were about 500 more positive cases, putting the total at 172,000. He reported the death toll climbed by 27 overnight to 13,251. There are also 1,854 probable deaths from the virus.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death.
A look at other developments:
FLAGS BACK TO FULL STAFF
In time for the Fourth of July, Murphy said, the U.S. and state flags that have been flying at half-staff since April 3 to honor the dead from the outbreak, will return to full staff.
“As a sign of rebirth for our state as we keep moving down our road back, our flags will return to full staff,” Murphy said.
He added though, it wasn’t a “moment of triumph” and that more people were likely to succumb to the virus.
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OUTDOOR GATHERING LIMIT RISES
The limit on gatherings outdoors is rising Friday from 250 people to 500, Murphy said. The change had been announced earlier.
It comes in time for school graduations, which have been cleared to take place outside, Monday.
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PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RENEWED
The state’s public health emergency has been renewed for a fourth time, Murphy announced.
The order would have expired automatically if not renewed under the law.
The renewal doesn’t mean Murphy is planning to close businesses again because of the outbreak, but leaves open that option if a hot spot re-emerges, he said.
Murphy previously renewed the public health emergency in April, May and June after first declaring one in March.
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JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL
The state Labor Department said Thursday there were about 28,000 claims last week, down 15% from the previous week.
Since the outbreak started in March in New Jersey, 1.3 million people have sought benefits, the department said.
Combined state and federal funds have paid out $9 billion in jobless benefits, the state said.
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Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
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