Dance, Gymnastics and Martial Arts Schools in New Jersey are NOW Open
Posted: July 03, 2020
N.J. dance studios, gymnastics centers, other indoor rec businesses can reopen July 2 with capacity limits
Some indoor youth sports, including gymnastics and martial arts, are allowed to resume and the facilities are allowed to reopen Thursday, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association confirmed.
“We have had multiple inquiries from business owners, particularly on the instructional, indoor recreational side, and multiple correspondences and confirmations with the Governor’s staff on this,” Bob Considine, the spokesman, wrote in an email to NJ Advance Media on Thursday.
“As long as indoor recreational facilities such as dance studios, martial arts training, gymnastics, are not licensed as a gym or a health club, they still may reopen pursuant to section 7 of EO (Executive Order) 157, within restrictions set in the order,” he added.
According to an email the NJBIA sent out to its members, the businesses that conduct “indoor instructional activities — such as dance studios, music lessons, martial arts training, gymnastics and arts and crafts, as well as escape rooms and all arcades” can reopen at 25% capacity under established guidelines.
The news comes after youth sports with non-contact practices resumed late last month, and sports classified as low-risk, such as tennis and golf, resumed competition.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s office did not respond to an immediate request for comment.
At Murphy’s daily press briefing Thursday afternoon, Matt Platkin, the governor’s chief counsel, said the state is looking at the types of facilities for reopening.
“We’re working on updating indoor sports guidance, in light of the changes today, so it depends on the type of facility that we’re talking about,” he said. “Some additional indoor activities may be allowed, but we have to look at the specifics.”
The reopening comes as part of the state’s Stage 2 phase in its multi-part coronavirus reopening plan.
By Brianna Kudisch
July 2,20202