- Don Lichterman
- Jun 17, 2020
- 14 min read
People wearing protective face coverings hike at Shark River Park in Wall Township, N.J., Saturday, May 2, 2020.
Below you will find the most up-to-date information on coronavirus news impacting New Jersey. You can find additional resources and coverage on our coronavirus page.
1 p.m. Gov. Phil Murphy held his daily COVID-19 briefing. Watch live below.
State funding assistance
Murphy implored Congress to provide funding to state and local governments in the next coronavirus stimulus package, warning that New Jersey is weeks away from financial devastation. "A fiscal disaster is not months away – hard decisions will be on our doorstep in just a few weeks," he said.
Sen. Bob Menendez joined the governor's briefing to discuss his push in Congress for more federal aid for New Jersey.
The senator is sponsoring legislation with Sen. Bill Cassidy that would provide $500 billion to state and local governments to ensure essential services like law enforcement, education and health care can continue.
Menendez said he is optimistic about securing funding for "front-line states" as more Republicans are seeing outbreaks in their states and Democrats have continued to support the aid.
Several Republicans who previously were not supporting state funding are expected this week to cross the aisle and join Democrats' push.
COVID-19 outbreak indicators
New Jersey reported 59 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 9,310.
There are 1,453 new positive cases, for a statewide total of 139,945.
The statewide positivity rate was 26% on May 7: “We’re seeing real progress in declining positivity rates,” Murphy said.
Of those sick, 4,195 are hospitalized, 1,255 are in ICUs, and 970 are on ventilators. While 179 people were hospitalized on Sunday, an additional 227 were discharged.
In nursing homes statewide, 26,397residents are positive for coronavirus and 4,890 have died since the outbreak began.
Murphy said he is "hopeful" to be able to give "hard dates" on the state's reopening plan later this week.
On Tuesday, more details will be revealed regarding testing and contact tracing, which is key to reopening.
COVID-related syndrome affecting kids
Since the state issued an alert last week about pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, officials have received eight reports of possible cases.
The investigations are still in the very early stages and it’s not yet confirmed all eight are pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome or if they are all connected to COVID-19.
Additional announcements
Federal government will cover 100% of the costs of National Guard orders through June 24.
State parks
Parks police reported an "inordinate amount of urine and feces being left behind in parks" over the weekend, State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan said.
There is a "zero tolerance" policy for anyone who is caught in such a situation, Callahan said.
"We understand restrooms are closed but people should be planning accordingly instead of urinating in bottles and leaving them behind," Callahan said.
Callahan warned access to state parks could change if this behavior continues.
Murphy added he’d like to see more face coverings in parks.
Clarity on "Wave Parades"
Callahan offered some clarity on a letter he sent out over the weekend that warned school officials to cancel or dissuade people from organizing so-called "wave parades" for senior students graduating this spring.
Police cannot or would not prevent people in vehicles from driving by the home of a graduate and waving from inside their vehicle while the student stands in the yard with his or her family, Callahan said.
What cannot be permitted is gatherings of students on school grounds, in school stadiums or outside of town group "wave parade," which would violate state executive orders, Callahan said. Latest official numbers: As of Sunday night, New Jersey had 138,532 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with the state's death toll rising to 9,255. For a list of drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in New Jersey, click here. Tips to protect yourself and others amid coronavirus outbreaks Call New Jersey's coronavirus hotline at 1-800-222-1222. You can also click here for additional information.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Reopening State Parks and Golf Courses
Order Restores County Authority to Open or Close County Parks. Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2.
“We understand that New Jerseyans want to get outside and get some fresh air as the weather warms up,” said Governor Murphy. “However, this should not serve as an open invitation to rush back to normalcy and break the necessary social distancing measures we’ve put in place. This approach will also bring New Jersey in line with our neighboring states, which will discourage residents from needlessly crossing state lines for recreation.”
State Parks and Forests: The order allows State parks and forests to open to the public for passive recreation, including fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, hiking, walking, running or jogging, biking, birding, and horseback riding. Picnic areas, playgrounds, exercise stations and equipment, chartered watercraft services and rentals, swimming, pavilions, restrooms, and other buildings and facilities, such as visitor centers, interpretive centers, and interior historical sites, shall remain closed at this time. To limit physical interaction, the State parks and forests must implement reasonable restrictions that include:
Limiting parking to 50% of maximum capacity and prohibiting parking in undesignated areas;
Prohibiting picnics;
Requiring social distancing to be practiced except with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners; and
Banning organized or contact activities or sports; and gatherings of any kind.
The order also recommends that people wear a cloth face covering while in public settings at the parks and forests where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
“More than ever, we know how important it is for the people of New Jersey to take a break from the ongoing self-quarantine and that there are few options for outdoor recreation,” said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “Just as the decision to close parks and forests was not made lightly, the decision to reopen them has also been made with careful thought and consideration for the health and well-being of the public. We urge visitors to only visit their closest parks, keep their distance from others while outdoors, wear masks and follow the guidelines established to protect public health.”
County Parks: The order opens county parks to the public, except any parks closed by the county prior to Executive Order No. 118 that required all county parks be closed (the county will now have the ability to reopen its parks if it chooses). This will treat county parks the same way as municipal parks – the locality gets to determine whether they are open or closed. County and municipal parks that remain open must abide by the restrictions placed on State parks in today's Order.
All recreational campgrounds and transient camp sites at campgrounds shall remain closed to the public. Residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, condo sites, and existing/renewing 2020 yearly seasonal contract sites may remain open.
Counties and municipalities can also place restrictions on the ability of residential campgrounds, including mobile home parks, to accept new transient guests or seasonal tenants, as defined by Administrative Order Nos. 2020-08 and 2020-09.
Golf Courses: The order also opens golf courses so long as they adopt minimum social distancing policies that include:
Implementing electronic or telephone reservation and payment systems while still providing options for populations that do not have access to internet service or credit cards;
Extending tee times to sixteen minutes apart;
Limiting the use of golf carts to one person unless being shared by immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
Requiring frequent, and after each use, sanitization of high-touch areas such as restroom facilities, range buckets, golf carts, and push carts;
Restricting the touching of golf holes and flags;
Closing golf center buildings, pro shops, and other buildings and amenities;
Removing bunker rakes and other furniture-like benches, water coolers, and ball washers from the course;
Discontinuing club and equipment rentals;
Prohibiting the use of caddies; and
Limiting tee times to two players unless the foursome consists of immediate family, caretakers, household members or romantic partners.
The golf course may impose additional restrictions as necessary to limit person-to-person interactions. The order also recommends, but does not order, that employees, players, and other individuals on the golf course wear cloth face coverings while on the golf course. Additionally, the order clarifies that miniature golf courses and driving ranges must remain closed.
Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019)
The New Jersey Department Education is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health to monitor to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our school community. Resources to help our districts, schools, parents, and students stay prepared, healthy and safe can be found below.
News and Guidance
New Jersey Cancels Statewide Student Assessments (March 24, 2020)
Governor Murphy Announces Aggressive Social Distancing Measures to Mitigate Further Spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey (March 16, 2020)
Supplemental Guidance Regarding Requirements for Public Health-Related School Closure (March 13, 2020)
New Jersey Department of Education Issues Guidance for School Districts on COVID-19 (March 6, 2020)
Guidance Regarding Requirements for Public Health-Related School Closure (March 5, 2020)
Updated 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Child Care and K-12 Schools (March 3, 2020)
Governor Murphy Updates the Public on the Status of Coronavirus and Highlights New Jersey's Preparedness Measures (March 2, 2020)
Updated Guidance and Resources Regarding 2019 Novel Coronavirus (February 3, 2020)
Resources
New Jersey Coronavirus Related School Closures (Updated March 17, 2020 at 12 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 School Closures (March 23, 2020)
NJDOE Coronavirus County Resource Sheet (March 17, 2020)
NJDOE Checklist for Emergency Preparedness Plans (March 13, 2020)
The long-awaited American Dream entertainment and retail center in East Rutherford has opened and is loaded with an awe-inspiring mix of family-friendly activities, and indoor attractions! Opening in chapters through Spring of 2020, there will be shopping and entertainment across 3 million square feet of real estate, however there’s plenty to experience now!
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park—the Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park—opened, boasting more than 35 rides, roller coasters and attractions, including The Shredder, The Shellraiser and Nickelodeon’s Skyline Scream. Simultaneously, The Rink at American Dream also opened, offering an NHL-regulation size ice skating rink with open skating, hockey tournaments, figure skating and more.
DreamWorks Water Park, opening soon, will be North America’s largest indoor water park housed beneath an 8-acre glass dome. Make a splash in the largest indoor wave pool, the longest hydro-magnetic coaster, and the tallest indoor body slide in the world. The park will also feature cabanas with views of Manhattan designed by New Jersey-native Jonathan Adler.
The grand opening in March 2020 will unveil hundreds of retailers, including fast-fashion brands such as H&M, Zara and Uniqlo, as well as a high-end collection of labels such as Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana. Also featuring many carefully curated dining destinations – ranging from casual and cool to memorable experiences from the world’s most celebrated chefs. After you’re done shopping at one of the numerous stores or watching a fashion show on the runway, explore Merlin Entertainments’ SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, CMX Luxury Movie Theater, Kidzania, a 300-foot observation wheel overlooking New York City, two indoor mini-golf courses, and many more. With something for everyone, American Dream truly is a destination for the whole family!
Deadlines This Week!
"Joker," the newest addition to the Batman franchise, has footage shot throughout New Jersey:
Top Dance and Night Clubs in New Jersey.
Dance and night clubs with live bands, DJ's, and entertainment
Northern New Jersey Dance and Night Clubs
46 Lounge 300 Route 46 East Totowa, NJ 07512 Website
The music is Top 40, Hip Hop, Club, Mash-Ups and House. Hot Miami nights comes to 46 Lounge Wednesday through Saturday 7pm till 3am. A -chic lounge with a trendy contemporary ambiance and a Brazilian cherry dance floor, 3 Martini & Wine Bars and a Tropical Outdoor Patio with 2 Tiki Bars.
The Dome Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Manor 111 Prospect Avenue West Orange, NJ 07052 973.731.2360 Website
An upscale after-hours night club experience.with Old School & New School Dance Tracks. Set above the Manor Restaurant in an all glass enclosed domed rooftop lounge where you can see the stars overhead and dance floor at your feet. Attractive setting with a jade marble bar and tabletops, deep mahogany pillars, and retro leather lounge chairs with a speakeasy swagger from yesteryear
DJ Performances every Friday & Saturday. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. DJ performances from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Bar Menu available from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Mandala 246 3rd St Passaic, NJ 07055 (973) 777-2077 Website
A night club that connects with different types of crowds. Depending on the night, the different themes serves different crowds. They feature Latino music nights on Fridays and Saturdays, with gay nights on Thursdays and Sundays. Their DJ is present every night and entertains with the hottest music to go along with whatever theme or event they have.
QXT's 248 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ (973) 643-3996 Website
New Jersey's longest running alternative dance club. QXT's has given fans of alternative music a place to spend their Friday and Saturday nights, with each night offering a variety of musical genres including Alternative, EDM, New Wave, 80s, 90s, Industrial, Dark Wave, Goth,Punk and Rock. Besides the main dance floor, there are two additional rooms which have been dubbed Area 51 and The Crypt, each with its own bar, diverse musical flare, and a variety of characters and personalities.
Rise Night Club
1 S Main St
Lodi, NJ
(973) 778-4433
Website
The music is Techno, Latin, Tribal, Mashups, Classics, Hip Hop, Top 40. Open Fridays and Saturdays with special Exclusive Latin Fridays and Rise Saturdays
Central New Jersey Dance and Night Clubs
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten 527 Lake Ave Asbury Park, NJ Website
Enjoy live music, dancing, good food, and beer with European Birgaten ambiance. The venue features a 9,000 square foot outdoor rooftop Biergarten and a 6,000 square foot indoor hall with over 31 premium draft beers and over 60 in the bottle, including American craft selections. Join in at a communal table where friends and strangers mingle and fet energized by a regular schedule of live music.
Avenue Nuit Night Club 23 Ocean Avenue Long Branch 732-759-2900 Website
The Northern Jersey Shore's most upscale, chic night club. In the summer you can celebrate under the stars at the rooftop lounge with an outdoor pool, fireplace and top rated DJقs. Year round, their indoor lounge provides oversized bed seating, VIP tables, a vibrant bar and dance floor.
Bar A 703-5 16th Ave Lake Como, NJ (732) 681-7422 Website
This huge indoor-outdoor facility with top entertainers continues to deliver an incredible entertainment, eating, and drinking experience year after year. Open year-round, Bar A' s multifaceted indoors, and tropical themed outdoors, has something for everyone.
Club Karma 401 Boulevard Seaside Heights, NJ Website
A summer seasonal Night Club, opens Memorial Day. An upscale outdoor club with lots of energy, dancing, VIP tables, and top DJ's!
D' Jais at Belmar 1801 Ocean Avenue Belmar, NJ 07719 732-681-5055 Website
D'Jais is well known for it's diverse atmosphere in which different music can be heard seven nights a week. With sounds ranging from live classic rock & roll, reggae bands and the Tri-State's best DJقs Spinning the latest dance & club. Plus Special events by top billboard artists & Celebrity guest appearances.
Headliner 1401 State Route 35 S Neptune, NJ 07753 732-775-6200 Website
Non stop entertainment at one of the largest clubs in the Jersey shore, and a wonderful staff,and a Martini Bar that will rock your world!
Jenks Night Club 300 Ocean Avenue Point Pleasant Beach (732) 899-0589 Website
Open year round. Located on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk overlooking the ocean, Jenks is a favorite for night life lovers in search of quality bands, a big dance floor, and a friendly crowd. They have several large bars well placed around the dance floor.
Perle Night Club and Lounge 13 Paterson St New Brunswick, NJ 732-261-4044 Website
An upscale nightclub & lounge with DJ & live music
Porta 911 Kingsley Street Asbury Park (732) 776-7661 Website
Porta is a popular Neapolitan pizza restaurant and dance club that becomes an energetic night club with dancing after 9pm. Music covers a varity of genres played by the areas top DJ's. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is dancing in the Abbott Room, off the main dining area, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and in the main dining area after 11 p.m.
During the summer months there is live music in the outdoor area on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Stone Pony 913 Ocean Avenue Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-502-0600 Website
The Wonder Bar 5th and Ocean Asbury Park, NJ 732-502-8886 Website
A Blues, Rock, and Roots Music venue with a great history. Many of the performers who have appeared at the Stony Pony also have received their start here. "Tillie's Landing" outside deck and bar is a huge draw during the summer months and combined with the indoor venue they have a capacity to hold 2,000 patrons.
Southern New Jersey Dance and Night Clubs
Boogie Nights Tropican Hotel & Casino 2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (800) 843-8767 Website
Features a lighted dance floor around a huge disco ball with the 70's and 80's theme every Friday and Saturday night, and the 90s Night every Thursday, playing all 90s all night! Enjoy the Boogie Nights characters like Mr. Boogie, Roller Girl, Hula Hoop Girl, and Celebrity Impersonators>open s @ Thursday 10 PM and Friday & Saturday 9 PM
Premier Nightclub 1 Borgata Way Atlantic City, NJ Website
An upscale night club featuring an 18,000-square-foot venue with tiered booths focused on the DJ booth, stage, and digital proscenium. Also has a horseshoe-shaped mezzanine for awesome views of the ornate, yet modern energetic scene.
The Pool After Dark Harrah's Hotel & Casino 777 Harrah's Blvd Atlantic City, NJ 08401 609-441-5000 Website
An entertainment complex with a pool and a night club. Join in to dance the night away listening to live entertainment with top DJs and performers. Once inside, hit up the bar for a drink and make your way to the dance floor to immerse yourself in the sounds of today's top 40, hip-hop & EDM beside the city's most captivating dancers. Take in the atmosphere as the hottest stars in the industry perform live from the new, elevated stage & DJ area, enhanced with eye-catching graphic displays on massive LED walls. Open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
TOP COMEDY CLUBS IN NJ
Due to its close proximity to NYC, New Jersey comedy venues and shows attract top talent who also perform in NYC, or have chosen to live nearby in NJ.
While Comedy venues have not seen a return to their peak days in the eighties, many have been closed because poor business practices and the venues that have survived are well financed and able to attract headliners.
While there has been a substantial paring down of clubs in line with the supply of headliners, today the successful New Jersey comedy venues are well financed and cover the costs of headliners with cover charges.
At one point there were many more New Jersey comedy venues than headliners, and in order to survive, some clubs decided to start headlining people who weren't headliners and that had 50 minutes of time killing material. The audiences were quick to experience this tactic and quit coming to these clubs.
Many of these venues turned to alternative ways of filling their clubs by letting people in for free and making their money off the drinks.
Northern New Jersey Comedy Clubs
Bananas Comedy Club at the Holiday Inn 283 Route 17 South Hasbrouck Heights Website Open since 1988 features performances by up-and-coming and national comedians. Prices are higher for special shows/attractions. They offer a Dinner Package at Verbena Restaurant. Dinner is served 2 hours before Show time Dinner Package guests get priority reserved, up front seating for the show. Finger food is available in the club. Overnight packages featuring dinner, the show, and room are also available. Plenty of free parking
The Comedy Cove @ Scotty's 595 Morris Ave Springfield, NJ Website The Comedy Cove line-up features some of the top comics, many of whom have appeared on network and cable TV programs. Most shows are on Friday & Saturdays at 9 pm. Dinner & Show Packages are available.
'The Comedy Shoppe
At multiple New Jersey Locations
Website
They feature the areas top comedians with open mic nights, special shows and fund-raisers.
Central New Jersey Comedy Clubs
Garden State Comedy Club Flemington-Raritan Diner 324 State Rt 31 Flemington, NJ Website They have scheduled comedy shows, open MIC nights and Improv for stand up comedy.
Stress Factory 90 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ Website Located a few blocks from Rutgers University, features national acts as well as up and coming performers. Vinnie Brand, your host for the evening, is sure to make an appearance and crack a few jokes as well. Food and drinks are available as well as dinner/show packages.
Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club
520 Arnold Ave.
Point Pleasant, NJ
Website
Now one of the popular comedy clubs in Ocean County, Uncle Vinnie's is owned by 2 brothers from Belleville, NJ, They feature the areas top comedians with open Mic nights, special shows and fund-raisers.
Southern New Jersey Comedy Clubs
Atlantic City Comedy Club Tropicana Casino and Resort 2831 Boardwalk, 3rd Fl Atlantic City, NJ Website They feature some of the country's top headliners and rising stars. Located in the Kiss Kiss Nightclub in the Tropicana, comics come from NYC, Philly and all over the country to perform.
Borgata Comedy Club Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa One Borgata Way Atlantic City, NJ Website Features renowned comics – some famous, some soon-to-be. And all up-close and personal
Howie Mandel's Comedy Club Hard Rock Casino 1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ Website Opened in the summer of 2018, this new comedy venue is off to a successful start as one of the hottest Comedy Club's in Atlantic City with top performers every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday nights.
MORE TO EXPLORE THIS FALL IN NEW JERSEY: September is here and with it, the arrival of fall fairs and festivals. New Jersey offers lots of great events this month, with everything from food festivals to live music and more! We’ve rounded up the top events to attend this month. Read on for the scoop on all these awesome activities and mark your calendar now.
Best Fairs and Festivals for NJ Families
Top Ten Seasonal Attractions, Events, Day Trips, Weekend Getaways, and Vacations
Universal Television, Al Pacino, Sopranos, The Plot Against America finish filming in NJ this summer...
