As the outbreak of the Coronavirus continues to have a global impact, states in America are working diligently to figure out how to stop the spread.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a stay at home executive order today (March 21).
The conditions of the order restrict gatherings such as parties, celebrations, or other social events unless explicitly authorized by Executive Order 107. Non-essential retail stores, personal care businesses, and recreational/entertainment businesses like gyms, casinos, barbershops, nail/hair salons, spas, tattoo shops, tanning salons, nightclubs, movie theaters, concert venues, indoor portions of retail shopping malls, and any place of public amusement must close also.
Bars and restaurants can only operate for take-out/delivery. Fast food places can also operate via the drive-through.
Essential retail businesses that are exempted from the executive order include, grocery stores, farmer’s markets/farms that sell directly to customers, Pharmacies, medical marijuana dispensaries, gas stations/convenience stores, banks, hardware stores, laundromats, pet stores, car dealerships (only for repair/maintenance), printing/office supplies, mail/delivery services, and liquor stores.
Medical facilities will continue to operate. Reported on the official site it says,
“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.”
BREAKING: I've signed an Executive Order stating clearly that the rules I have laid out supersedes all other orders issued by county or municipal officials.
We must be on one page and reading from the same playbook as one state. Period.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 21, 2020
Everything goes into effect today (March 20) at 9 p.m. Take a look at live news coverage:
The total number of confirmed cases in NJ has reached 1,327 confirmed with 16 deaths from COVID-19.