New Jersey Moves Toward Reopening After 60% Drop in Revenue (1)

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the first steps for reopening the state as it saw April revenue plummet 60% from a year ago, evidence of the financial toll exacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Retail businesses will be allowed to offer curbside pickup starting May 18, and restrictions will lift on non-essential construction work, Murphy said Wednesday at a news briefing. Customers won’t be permitted inside non-essential stores. “They will have to continue placing orders in advance,” Murphy said.

Murphy said improved virus data, not worsening finances, guided his reopening move. “We’ve got a series of steps that are logical ...