Gov. Phil Murphy announced new restrictions during a press conference on March 21 to address COVID19 concerns.
Effective March 21 at 9 p.m., the new standards for businesses are as follows:
CLOSED
- 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 storefront and/or brick-and-mortar premises operations while Executive Order 107 is in effect. And all recreational and entertainment businesses must close to the public, including:
- Casinos;
- Racetracks;
- Gyms and fitness centers;
- Entertainment centers such as movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, and nightclubs; Indoor portions of retail shopping malls; and Places of public amusement. Business may continue any on-line operations.
Personal-care businesses that by their very nature result in noncompliance with social distancing must be closed to the public and remain closed as long as this order remains in effect. This includes:
- 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 on-premise service and may provide take-out and delivery service only. Drive-throughs, take-out, delivery offered by restaurants, and other delivery services can continue to operate.
ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES – OPEN
Certain essential businesses and facilities are considered exempt from these closures:
- 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 under five years;
- Pet stores and veterinary service locations;
- Car dealerships, but 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 they have employees who need to be on-site, they should operate with the minimal number of on-site employees as possible to ensure critical operations can continue. Examples of such employees include cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.
Manufacturing, industrial, logistics, ports, heavy construction, shipping, food production, food delivery, and other commercial operations may continue operating, but as explained above, they should limit staff on-site to the minimal number to ensure that essential operations can continue.
Medical facilities may continue to operate. Medical facilities include 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, and 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 operations.
See Covid19.nj.gov for more details