Amid a lack of federal direction and nationwide standards, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a regional approach to combatting the novel coronavirus – or COVID-19 – throughout the tri-state area (Read Full Press Release).

These uniform standards will limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, effective 8:00pm tonight. This follows updated guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued yesterday recommending the cancellation or postponement of in-person events consisting of 50 people or more.

The three governors also announced restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol. These measures will take effect at 8:00pm tonight.

Finally, the three governors said they will temporarily close movie theaters, gyms and casinos, effective at 8:oopm tonight.