COVID-19: Executive Order Amended to Add Certain Retail Businesses
Published on March 25, 2020
Governor's Phil Murphy's Executive Order 107 that listed essential businesses that can continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis has been expanded today.
The following businesses have added to the list of essential retail businesses:
- Mobile phone retail and repair shops;
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- Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair;
- Livestock feed stores;
- Nurseries and garden centers;
- Farming equipment stores.
Also, the amended Executive Order gives municipalities more discretion to impose additional restrictions on use of local beaches and boardwalks in response to COVID-19.
The Governor had granted the State Director of Emergency Management, who is the Superintendent of State Police Patrick Callahan, the discretion to make additions, amendments, clarifications, exceptions, and exclusions to the list of essential retail businesses.
Highlights of Executive Order 107
An Executive Order (Read the full Executive Order)(PDF, 501KB) issued Saturday, March 21, by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy further expands restrictions on public outings, prohibits gatherings for parties and celebrations, and requires all New Jersey residents to remain at home or their place of residence with limited exceptions.
The following is an easy to follow summary of highlights of the Executive Order, prepared by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management:
All NJ residents shall remain home unless they are:
- Obtaining goods or services from essential businesses
- Obtaining takeout food
- Seeking medical attention
- Visiting family members as a caretaker or romantic partner
- Reporting to or performing their job
- Engaging in outdoor activities (social distance permitting)
- Leaving home for an educational, religious, or political reason
- For safety
- At the direction of law enforcement or a government agency
The following businesses are essential and may remain open:
- 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 following should function at a limited capacity:
Public transportation should be used only as a last resort
Schools may remain open only if they are operating on a limited basis for food or essential care services that are non-educational
Essential businesses that cannot work from home shall reduce staff on site to the minimal necessary number
Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, and First Responders
Cashiers
Construction, utility, and repair workers
Warehouse workers
Lab researchers and information technology maintenance workers
Janitorial and custodial staff
Necessary administrative staff
The following activities are prohibited:
Parties, celebrations, or social events are cancelled
Non-essential retail businesses
On-premise consumption of alcohol
Casinos, racetracks
Gyms, fitness centers
Movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues
Nightclubs, performing art centers
Public libraries and computer labs
Indoor retail shopping malls
Amusement parks, zoos, children's play centers, bowling alleys
Personal care services that inherently non-conform to social distancing (salons, spas, tattoo shops)
Social clubs such as the VFW, American Legion
Public, private, and parochial preschools, elementary and secondary schools
The Morris County Order previously issued for the closure of playgrounds remains in effect.
Please remember to get your information regarding this crisis from reliable sources and avoid rumors and unsubstantiated social media sites.
For more information, visit the following: