Covid-19 capacity restrictions are ending in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Both states announced returns to full capacity, with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy indicating Atlantic City casinos can return to 100 percent capacity effective May 19.
On the same day, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued an order setting the date for Pennsylvania casinos to return to full capacity as May 31, Memorial Day.
Last month, allowable casino capacity in both jurisdictions was raised from 50 percent t to 75 percent. Requirements for employees and patrons to wear masks inside casinos in both states will remain in force, as will the temporary ban on indoor smoking.
Wolf said the mask requirement will be lifted when 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over age 18 are fully vaccinated. “We continue to make significant progress in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19, and as more Pennsylvania adults get vaccinated and guidance from the CDC evolves, we can continue to move forward with our reopening efforts. I encourage Pennsylvanians to take the critical steps needed to put this pandemic behind us by getting vaccinated, follow through with both doses if you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, and continue to take steps like masking, frequent hand washing and sanitizing and social distancing.”
Restrictions on indoor dining and alcohol service in bars and on the casino floors also are being lifted.
