March 21, 2020 – New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order directing most of New Jersey’s 9 million residents to stay home amid the coronavirus pandemic. This stay-at-home order will go in to effect 9pm Saturday night and shall remain in effect until revoked or modified by the Governor. Penalties for violations of this Executive Order may be imposed under, among other statutes, N.J.S.A. App. A:9-49 and – 50.

In the fight against spreading COVID-19, the EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 107 orders all nonessential businesses to close indefinitely and tells all businesses to make arrangements for employees to work from home where possible.

The businesses that can remain open include:

• Grocery stores, farmer’s markets and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists at a grocery store
• Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries
• Medical supply stores
• Gas stations
• Convenience stores
• Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities
• Hardware and home improvement stores
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Laundromats and dry-cleaning services
• Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years
• Pet stores
• Liquor stores
• Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics
• Printing and office supply shops
• Mail and delivery stores.

The order also cancels all gatherings of individuals including weddings, parties, in-person services and any other celebrations until further notice. Although he ordered all residents to stay at home, there are some exceptions such as:

• obtaining goods or services from essential businesses;
• obtaining takeout food or beverages;
• seeking medical attention, essential social services, or assistance from law enforcement or emergency services;
• visiting family or other individuals with whom the resident has a close personal relationship, such as those for whom the individual is a caretaker or romantic partner;
• reporting to, or performing work;
• walking, running, operating a wheelchair, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners while following best social distancing practices with other individuals, including staying six feet apart;
• leaving the home for an educational, religious, or political reason;
• leaving because of a reasonable fear for his or her health or safety; or
• leaving at the direction of law enforcement or other government agency.

“This is a time for all of us to come together, to flatten the curve, to slow, and eventually halt, the spread of coronavirus,” Murphy said.

This order does not mean if you live in New Jersey your life has to consist of literally staying inside the walls of your house. If you do head outside to take a walk or go for a run or go to the grocery store, just be sure to continue practicing social distancing. Stay healthy, physically and mentally.

CLICK HERE to read the full Executive Order.

The McHattie Law Firm continues to follow COVID-19 developments as they impact the workplace and will provide frequent updates on those developments. For assistance addressing issues in your workplace, feel free to contact us. 

This blog is for informational purposes only.  It does not constitute legal advice and may not be relied upon as such.  If you face a legal issue, you should consult a qualified attorney for independent legal advice with regard to your particular set of facts.  This blog may constitute attorney advertising.  This blog is not intended to communicate with anyone in a state or other jurisdiction where such a blog may fail to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state of jurisdiction.