By Associated Press - Monday, June 1, 2020

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey is expanding the kinds of businesses that can open amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday.

Restaurants can host outdoor diners and in-person retail will resume June 15, while salons and barbershops can open on June 22, the Democrat said during a news conference. Social distancing will still be required, he said, but guidelines are still expected to be released by the state health department.

The announcement marks the state’s move from stage 1 of reopening to stage 2, Murphy said. Moving to stage 3, which the governor has termed the “new normal,” depends on how the state’s trends go.

Already parks, golf courses and curbside pickup for retail have reopened.

There were 509 new positive cases overnight, putting the statewide total at about 160,000. There were 27 deaths over the same period, putting the death toll at 11,721, Murphy said.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are at higher risk of more severe illness or death.

A look at other developments:

DRIVE-IN CONCERT:

The Count Basie Center for the Arts will host a drive-in concert featuring Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on July 11 at Monmouth Park racetrack in Oceanport.

Tickets go on sale Friday.

A maximum of four occupants will be permitted per vehicle, and up to 1,000 vehicles can be accommodated.

Patrons will have to remain in their vehicles except to use the rest room.

“The Asbury Jukes and I are so excited that we can play this first of its kind live concert and help get New Jersey started on a quick and healthy return to normal,” said “Southside Johnny” Lyon. “Why sit at home when, ‘We’re Havin’ A Party,’ drive-in style?”

RACE TRACK GETTING READY

Monmouth Park race track in Oceanport welcomed its first thoroughbreds ahead of the Friday kick off of the racing season.

Murphy said last week that competitive horse racing could start again beginning this week.

Trainer John Stephens was the first to pull through the stable gate Monday, according to a release from the park.

The racing schedule will go from Friday through Sept. 27.

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