With COVID-19 numbers trending in the right direction, New Jersey announced a number of reopening changes, taking effect today and on Wednesday, May 19th.

As of today, May 7th:

• General outdoor gatherings limit has increased to 500 people.
• Large venues (1,000 fixed seats or more) can host events at up to 50% capacity outdoors.
• Indoor catered events, including proms, can be held at 50% capacity, up to 250 people, and can reopen dance floors, with masking and social distancing requirements in place.
• Restaurants can reopen indoor bar seating and buffets, subject to guidance from the Department of Health.

On Wednesday, May 19th:

• The outdoor gatherings limit will be lifted, as long as groups can remain six feet apart.
• The general indoor gathering limit will increase to 50 people; business gatherings and certain organized gatherings will be allowed up to 250 people, so long as social distancing can be maintained.
• Percentage-based capacity limits will be lifted for indoor and outdoor businesses and activities, as well as houses of worship.
• Large venues (1,000 fixed seats or more) will be able to host events at up to 30% capacity indoors, so long as social distancing can be maintained.

Don’t forget to file your taxes by May 17th! Many New Jersey families are eligible for a newly expanded federal Child Tax Credit, which will be paid out in monthly payments this year, beginning this summer. Families can receive up to $300/month for children aged 0-5 and up to $250/month for children aged 6-17.

Families with a child under age 13 or a qualifying dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and who qualify for the federal credit may also be eligible for the New Jersey Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Families must file taxes ahead of the May 17th deadline to qualify for these payments, so be sure to file your taxes right away!

Launched in partnership with the Brewers Guild of New Jersey, the "Shot and a Beer" program encourages eligible New Jerseyans ages 21 and over to get vaccinated. Any New Jerseyan who gets their first vaccine dose in the month of May and takes their vaccination card to a participating brewery as proof of vaccination will receive a free beer, courtesy of the participating brewery. This program will end on May 31st, 2021.

Participate in the “Your Voice, Your Shot!“ video contest to show why YOU are getting vaccinated and encourage others to do the same. We all know that to help stop the spread of COVID-19, we need to protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated. Your videos can make a difference in helping others get vaccinated. The winner will be used in the State’s COVID-19 public health campaign.

On May 13th at 10:15 a.m., Governor Murphy is hosting another virtual town hall. The Governor is looking forward to providing you the latest updates on getting New Jerseyans vaccinated, combating the pandemic, our state budget, and more. If you want to attend, please complete a brief form to sign up and be notified if a spot is available.

As of this week, more than 4.3 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, and more than 3.2 million people are fully vaccinated.

Appointments are available across New Jersey and all individuals 16+ who live, work, or study in New Jersey are eligible.

• Use New Jersey’s Vaccine Appointment Finder to schedule an appointment near you.
• Walk-in vaccinations are available at all six vaccine mega-sites to all New Jerseyans age 16+. No appointments required.
• The Vaccine Call Center is available at 855-568-0545 from
  8 am to 8 pm in more than 240 different languages to answer questions about the vaccine and help individuals get vaccinated.
• If you are homebound, you can request an in-home vaccination.
• If you are 65 or older, you can call a special senior hotline at 856-249-7007 from 8 am to 8 pm for vaccination scheduling support.