With the stock market in a full-blown recovery, it’s easy to assume that the economy is on the rebound. Unfortunately, with lockdown orders still in effect throughout many states, economic activity is still declining. Unemployment is above 13% and it could remain high in the coming months.

With the mixed news, it’s important to take note of the positive developments. New Jersey has just announced that it will lift stay at home orders, bringing some relief to investors and the general population.

New Jersey Approval for Outdoor Protests and Religious Gatherings

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said during his Tuesday briefing that he has lifted restrictions on religious events and outdoor protests. This comes just days after he breached his social distancing guidelines to attend protests against police brutality and the death of Minneapolis security guard George Floyd.

The stay at home order which has been in effect since March 21 has also ben lifted. Coronavirus cases peaked in New Jersey during April, and have since been following a declining pattern.

Indoor gatherings, where the risk of Coronavirus transmission is highest, will still be limited. Murphy said in a statement that “Given the growing body of evidence showing the reduced risk of transmission outdoors, we believe the appropriate rule prioritizes individuals’ right to speak and worship freely.”

Religious gatherings and some other private gatherings will now be limited to 25% of a venue’s capacity, or up to 50 people, depending on which figure is smaller.

Restaurants, bars, and theaters will remain closed, except for establishments that offer take-out and delivery services.

When speaking about outdoor protests, Murphy said that “This is unlike any moment in our history. We have to acknowledge that. We have to allow folks to get out there rightfully and peacefully.”

Relaxed Restrictions Could Increase Coronavirus Infection Rates

In other states that have eased restrictions, there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases. Murphy expects that there will be something similar in New Jersey, but he is confident that the state now has the testing capacity and infrastructure to detect “community flare-ups” and contain them.

New Jersey has detected 164,796 Coronavirus infections since March and has suffered 12,303 deaths. Even as restrictions are being relaxed nationwide, the United States has now confirmed over 2 million total cases and 113,517 deaths.

As the nation has emerged as the epicenter of the highly infectious virus, leaders have been forced to balance public health necessities with constitutional freedoms.