The second phase of the state’s easing of restrictions related to coronavirus (COVID-19) is expected to take effect June 15, and include outdoor dining and some limited retail.

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Retail will be limited to “non-essential, in-person retail.” Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, according to the governor’s office, include:

• Outdoor dining (beginning on June 15)
• Limited in-person retail (beginning on June 15)
• Hair salons and barber shops (beginning on June 22)
• Youth summer programs (beginning on July 6)
• In-person clinical research/labs
• Limited fitness/gyms
• Limited in-person government services (e.g. – Motor Vehicle Commission)
• Museums/libraries

All workers who can work from home should continue to work from home, according to the governor’s office. Openings are done in adherence with state Department of Health guidelines. New Jersey ended maximum restrictions and moved to phase one on May 18.

Cities are responding to the coronavirus in different ways and many are taking an approach to help local businesses rebound.

To expand outdoor dining, Metuchen plans to convert downtown streets for other uses, allowing businesses to apply to convert street parking. Part of New Street in downtown Metuchen will be closed to traffic on weekends, and some parking lots will be reconfigured for outdoor dining, according to Walkable Princeton, a local blog.

Perhaps similar opportunities are in store in Rahway, where the idea of creating pedestrian-only promenades has often been discussed, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, such as East Cherry Street. Many local restaurants continue to provide take-out service and the list is often updated on the Rahway Arts & Business Partnership’s Facebook page.

The City of Hoboken formed an Economic Recovery Task Force and includes representation from assorted local industries, including cafes, bars, restaurants, technology, art, grooming and fitness. The task force plans to compile a set of recommendations for the city to consider as well as best practices for businesses in each field.

In Baltimore, there’s a Design For Distancing competition, searching for the “best ideas on how to quickly activate public spaces to support the safe reopening of businesses.” The winning concept will be awarded a $10,000 stipend.

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