Indoor portions of shopping malls in New Jersey are open again with strict guidelines, but don’t expect Black Friday-sized crowds.
“Malls are an undeniable part of New Jersey culture, and we want these businesses to get back up and running in a safe, responsible manner,” Governor Phil Murphy said last week. “To keep our restart moving in the right direction, we ask New Jerseyans who want to head out to the mall or any public setting to do so safely.”
Retailers that are attached to malls and have outside entrances have been allowed to operate at a lower capacity, but since March, malls have remained closed in New Jersey. Restaurants inside the mall can offer take-out dining inside the mall and in-person service at outdoor areas outside the mall. Retail kiosks in the mall are also open again, but they must ensure customers stay six feet apart. Communal seating areas within malls had to be removed or cordoned off. The following businesses that may be located within the indoor portions of shopping malls are to remain closed: gyms, fitness centers, movie theaters, amusement parks, water parks and arcades.
When the common indoor areas of the malls reopen, all customers and employees will be required to wear face coverings while inside, except for those with medical conditions that make wearing a face covering impossible and children under 2. The mall must deny entry to customers who refuse to wear a face covering, according to an administrative order signed by Colonel Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the N.J. State Police.