New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has announced that the beaches at the Jersey shore as well as lakes can open this year with restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening goes into effect on May 22.

Some areas of the beach towns will remain closed, including water fountains and other congregate areas. Contact sports will still be prohibited, as will gatherings like concerts and fireworks shows. Arcades and amusement rides will remain closed as well.

The governor also ordered that bathrooms along the shore and in state and county parks can reopen. 

Murphy said the state was “ensuring that the Jersey Shore can be open to families across our states and region,” and that it can be done safely. The beaches will be open both to state residents and out-of-state visitors.

“On our boardwalks, restaurants may continue to operate for take-out and delivery only,” Murphy said.

The governor said masks or face coverings won’t be required. But he suggested people wear them when possible.

“We are living through unprecedented times, but we have confidence that residents and out-of-state visitors, alike, can take in a day at the beach safely, so long as the measures we are announcing today … are followed,” he said.

But the governor stressed New Jersey is “not out of the woods yet.”

For the latest NJ COVID-19 statistics visit https://covid19.nj.gov/