New Jersey could allow Atlantic City’s casinos to reopen, with some restrictions, by the July 4 weekend after months of closures to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the state, Gov. Phil Murphy said Sunday morning.
“It’s probably still too early to give you a very specific answer but there’s a lot of work going into that right now.,” Murphy said during a radio interview. “But we are trying like heck to get toward, I hope, before the Fourth of July or at least by the Fourth of July ... that we’re in a position where we can say, you know what, subject to a lot of different parameters the casinos can be open again.”
Murphy did not specify the types of restrictions casinos would face. He made the comments during an appearance on the AC Mike Show with Mike Lopez on WOND.
“We’re spending a lot of time with the owners and operators as well as the workers and their representatives on casinos,” the governor said. “The bad news is casinos sort of have the attributes that are hardest to deal with this virus. It’s indoors, no ventilation. You’re sedentary, you’re in close proximity. Having said that, they’re big footprints and we think there are successful steps that can be taken to address the challenges.”
Atlantic City casinos have been closed since March 16, though some have since reopened for hotel guests. The gaming floors remain off limits.
The announcement comes as Murphy continues to lift near-lockdown conditions put in place in mid-March. The state is currently in stage one of the multi-stage opening process, and Murphy has said he expects to announce the date stage two can begin on Monday.
Non-essential retail and outdoor dining are among the businesses Murphy said he hoped would reopen soon. Reopening plans announced on Monday will likely go into effect in the coming weeks, Murphy said.
Child daycare centers, non-contact sports, youth day camps, and horse racing are among the reopening steps Murphy recently announced. Restrictions on indoor gatherings will likely be relaxed soon to allow people to gather in houses of worship.
Indoor gatherings are currently be limited to 10 people, while outdoor gatherings can have up to 25.
NJ Advance Media staff writer Samantha Marcus contributed to this story.
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Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.