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The original item was published from 3/21/2020 9:04:00 PM to 4/8/2020 2:48:53 PM.

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Community News

Posted on: March 21, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Governor Murphy announces statewide stay at home order, closing all non-essential retail businesses

New Jersey podium

Governor Murphy announced strict new directives to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus effective on Saturday, March 21 at 9PM.

Citizens are advised to remain in their homes at 9PM each evening and avoid all unnecessary travel.

Gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled unless explicitly authorized by Executive Order 107 (CDC guidance defines a gathering to include conferences, large meetings, parties, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies).


Non-essential retail businesses must close storefronts and/or brick-and-mortar premises operations until further notice.

All recreational and entertainment businesses must close to the public, including:

• Casinos

• Racetracks

• Gyms and fitness centers

• Entertainment centers (movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, and nightclubs)

• Indoor portions of retail shopping malls and places of public amusement


Personal-care businesses that by their very nature result in noncompliance with social distancing must remain closed, including:

• Barbershops

• Hair salons

• Spas

• Nail and eyelash salons

• Tattoo parlors

• Massage parlors

• Tanning salons

• Public and private social clubs


Bars and restaurants in New Jersey must be closed for service. They may provide take-out and delivery only. Drive-through, take-out, and delivery offered by restaurants, and other delivery services can continue to operate.


Certain essential businesses and facilities are considered exempt from these closures: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/general-public/governor-murphy-announces-statewide-stay-at-home-order-closure-of-all-non-essential-retail-businesses

• Grocery stores;

• Pharmacies;

• Medical marijuana dispensaries;

• Medical supply stores;

• Gas stations;

• Convenience stores;

• Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;

• Hardware and home improvement stores;

• Vehicle rental locations;

• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;

• Laundromats and dry-cleaning services;

• Stores that principally sell supplies for children five years old and younger;

• Pet stores and veterinary service locations;

• Car dealerships (only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics);

• Printing and office supply shops;

• Mail and delivery stores;

• Liquor stores.


All businesses or non-profits must accommodate their workforce for telework or work from home arrangements wherever practicable.


To the extent businesses have employees who need to be on site, they should operate with the minimal number of employees as possible. That includes:

• Cashiers or store clerks,

• Construction workers, utility workers, or repair workers

• Warehouse workers

• Lab researchers

• IT maintenance workers

• Janitorial and custodial staff

• Certain administrative staff


Manufacturing, industrial, logistics, ports, heavy construction, shipping, food production, food delivery, and other commercial operations may continue operating, but should limit staff on-site to the minimal number for continuing essential operations.


Medical facilities may continue to operate, including any facility where a sick or injured person is given care or treatment, such as:

• Doctor’s offices

• Hospitals

• Dentist offices

• Long-term care facilities

• Other medical offices.


Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business. Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operation.

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