The issue of mandatory vaccinations is expected to intensify in the months ahead. The federal government's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has already made clear that employers are within their rights to require a COVID-19 vaccination.
For now, New Jersey's mask mandate imposed by Gov. Phil Murphy through executive order remains in effect. Murphy has been reluctant to ease mask mandates and his office is reviewing the new CDC guidance.
Restaurants and bars, in particular, are anxious to get back to full capacity. To date, there has not been a single documented case of a COVID-19 outbreak traced to a patron in a New Jersey restaurant.
Gov. Murphy held another COVID-19 briefing Wednesday but did not announce any new significant relaxation of pandemic restrictions. This, despite New Jersey on pace to exceed the vaccination of 70% of the adult population ahead of schedule.