N.J. will now allow for people to gather for religious for services in cars and drive-in movies

<p>New Jersey residents can gather in vehicles for things like religious services and drive-in movies.</p><p>Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that he’s easing some restrictions he put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic, but that it comes with some restrictions.</p><p>“We are stating that gatherings of vehicles, such as drive-in movies or religious services, are not a violation of my order prohibiting mass gatherings, so long as all participants remain in their cars,” Murphy said at his daily coronavirus briefing.</p><p>“If vehicles are closer than six feet apart, then all windows, sunroofs, or convertible tops must remain closed, unless the safety of the occupants is endangered.”</p><p>Murphy said the moves are possible because the state is making some strides in combating the virus. This is the first easing of restrictions in the state on religious services since Murphy's March 21 directive that banned all gatherings of individuals with limited exceptions.</p><p>This comes as religious leaders around the nation are urging leaders to allow them to exercise their First Amendment rights.</p>