Business

As COVID-19 surges in several states, New Jersey opens more businesses and activities, entering Stage 2 of what the state calls "The Road Back."

With indoor dining and recreational facilities set to reopen on July 2, state officials have released additional guidance.

An incubator space at 10 Lackawanna Plaza gives new entrepreneurs a way to test the waters at little cost and with much-needed support in uncertain times.

Montclair's restaurants and retail outlets got some relief last week as limited outdoor dining and inside shopping opened up for New Jersey businesses.

Further guidance is expected later this week about the reopening timeline for indoor entertainment venues, such as arcades.

New Jersey begins opening many services next week, by appointment only. Essex County will have a food drive event on Thursday, June 25.

On Monday, June 22, the following businesses can reopen: cosmetology shops; barber shops; beauty salons; hair braiding shops; nail salons; electrology facilities; spas, including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedures are performed; massage parlors; tanning salons; and tattoo parlors.

When malls reopen, stores will be limited to a 50-percent customer capacity, and restaurants can offer food for takeout or for outdoor dining only. Communal areas such as food courts will remain closed or cordoned off.

On Tuesday, the day after the businesses opened, the town responded to the owners pleas by waiving sidewalk cafe dining permit fees, offering $150,000 in grant funds, and working to close some streets during certain hours.

New Jersey will see the building of a wind port next year that is expected to bring much-needed economic benefits to the region as the state recovers from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.