Democrat,

More and more progress is being made each day in the right against COVID-19. From expanded testing to the phased reopening of businesses being done in a responsible way, we are continuing to move forward along Governor Murphy’s Road Back. 

Dramatically ramping up testing availability has been one of the key successes of the state’s response, but even with many more sites available some of our most vulnerable have still been left out. That is why the state is partnering with the County of Union, City of Elizabeth and local health providers to offer “Barrier Free” testing to residents, regardless of insurance status or residency and at no cost. You can register for testing here and find the full list of available testing sites throughout the state here. 

Thanks to the compliance of millions of residents following social distancing, the heroism of our medical professionals and first responders, and the leadership of Governor Murphy and other state and local officials, New Jersey is steadily reopening more and more businesses. Yesterday, personal care establishments like barber shops, hair and nail salons, massage therapy centers and more were allowed to resume operation with safe social distancing practices. This was welcome news to many small business owners and their employees, as well as their customers who will now return to their favorite establishments. 

In more exciting news, Governor Murphy announced that Shopping Malls will reopen on June 29, and that Casinos and Indoor Dining with limited capacity will open soon after on July 2. This will provide a much needed boost to many businesses heading into the July 4th Holiday Weekend, and it signals continued progress in our recovery from COVID-19. 

We could not have gotten to this point without the dedication that millions of New Jerseyans have shown to following social distancing, wearing masks and exercising common sense for the common good. We have to continue being careful and doing the right thing to make sure our progress is not reversed. I trust that we will continue to do that, together. 

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie