COVID-19 Reopening Policies for Restaurants

Update: Indoor Dining to Reopen on September 4

Governor Murphy announced on August 31 that beginning Friday, September 4, restaurants may resume indoor dining at 25% capacity, while following all health and safety guidelines.

Restaurants must follow appropriate mitigation requirements detailed in the Department of Health's Executive Directive No. 20-019, Executive Order No. 157, Executive Order No. 163, forthcoming guidance on indoor dining, and summarized here.

Restaurant operating hours are not limited by any State order.

May 11, 2020

To restaurant management,

As New Jersey begins to lift COVID-19 restrictions, restaurants will be looking to reopen their establishments and return to normal business operations. The COVID-19 Reopening Guidance document (PDF) will guide food establishments so that proper measures are taken to keep their customers and staff safe. The summary of practices from COVID-19 Reopening Guidance falls into the following four categories:

  • Food Safety
  • Cleaning and Sanitizing
  • Employee Health monitoring and personal hygiene
  • Social Distancing

These practices should be combined with your current policies as well as Best Practices and Guidelines from the FDA and CDC. The first link below is the COVID-19 Reopening Guidance document from the National Restaurant Association, which should be followed by your establishment to reopen. In addition, the second link below from the FDA provides a food safety checklist for previously closed retail food establishments or those that have been open with limited service. Guidelines are subject to change as situations evolve, and the Health Department will be conducting inspections so that proper guidelines and protocol are being followed.

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Department at 973-535-7961.

  1. National Restaurant Association Reopening Guidance (PDF)
  2. FDA Food Establishment Checklist (PDF)

Read official notice from Livingston Health Department (PDF)