may 18, 2020
Murphy Unveils Multi-Stage Reopening Plan for NJ Businesses
BY JIM PYTELL, ASSISTANT EDITOR ON MAY 18, 2020
At today’s COVID-19 press briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled a visual roadmap for the path to reopen New Jersey and to get towards a “new normal.”
Using a chart to visually depict a broad breakdown of New Jersey’s total workforce, Murphy said that roughly 25% of the state’s workforce has been able to work from home throughout the pandemic, and added that it would continue to do so “for the foreseeable future.”
Roughly 35% of the state’s workforce has low to moderate contact with co-workers and customers, and in order to reopen would need to adopt safeguard practices, such as wearing masks, disinfecting surfaces, and frequent hand washing while at work. This includes construction workers, landscapers and factory workers, for example.
Finally, roughly 40% of the state’s workforce has frequent contact with co-workers and customers, such as bartenders and most restaurant workers, for example. These businesses would need to also adopt safeguarding practices, but also restrict capacity and reduce density, as well as re-train displaced workforces.
Murphy presented the graphic below, which depicts a multi-stage recovery plan for New Jersey businesses. He said that today, we are “comfortably in the midst of stage one.”
BY JIM PYTELL, ASSISTANT EDITOR ON MAY 18, 2020
At today’s COVID-19 press briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled a visual roadmap for the path to reopen New Jersey and to get towards a “new normal.”
Using a chart to visually depict a broad breakdown of New Jersey’s total workforce, Murphy said that roughly 25% of the state’s workforce has been able to work from home throughout the pandemic, and added that it would continue to do so “for the foreseeable future.”
Roughly 35% of the state’s workforce has low to moderate contact with co-workers and customers, and in order to reopen would need to adopt safeguard practices, such as wearing masks, disinfecting surfaces, and frequent hand washing while at work. This includes construction workers, landscapers and factory workers, for example.
Finally, roughly 40% of the state’s workforce has frequent contact with co-workers and customers, such as bartenders and most restaurant workers, for example. These businesses would need to also adopt safeguarding practices, but also restrict capacity and reduce density, as well as re-train displaced workforces.
Murphy presented the graphic below, which depicts a multi-stage recovery plan for New Jersey businesses. He said that today, we are “comfortably in the midst of stage one.”
may 13, 2020
TRENTON – As part of New Jersey's Road Back, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 142, permitting the resumption of non-essential construction, curbside pickup at non-essential retail businesses, and car gatherings for the purpose of drive-through and drive-in events. The construction and non-essential retail provisions will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, while the car gatherings provision will take effect immediately.
"I've been clear that data will determine dates, and what we are seeing gives us confidence that we can begin the careful restart of our economy," said Governor Murphy. "Over the past eight weeks, New Jerseyans have taken our stay-at-home order seriously and have created the conditions that make this next phase possible. The steps we are taking allow for important standards of social distancing to continue with the return of safe, responsible business operations."
**Non-Essential Construction:**The Order permits non-essential construction projects to resume effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18. All construction projects must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements that are described in detail in the Governor's Executive Order.
Curbside Pickup at Non-Essential Retail Businesses: The Order also permits non-essential retail businesses to allow curbside pickup of goods, beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, but businesses must continue to have their in-store operations closed to customers. Businesses who choose to offer curbside pickup must abide by the requirements in the Order, which include but are not limited to the following:
"I've been clear that data will determine dates, and what we are seeing gives us confidence that we can begin the careful restart of our economy," said Governor Murphy. "Over the past eight weeks, New Jerseyans have taken our stay-at-home order seriously and have created the conditions that make this next phase possible. The steps we are taking allow for important standards of social distancing to continue with the return of safe, responsible business operations."
**Non-Essential Construction:**The Order permits non-essential construction projects to resume effective at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18. All construction projects must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements that are described in detail in the Governor's Executive Order.
Curbside Pickup at Non-Essential Retail Businesses: The Order also permits non-essential retail businesses to allow curbside pickup of goods, beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, but businesses must continue to have their in-store operations closed to customers. Businesses who choose to offer curbside pickup must abide by the requirements in the Order, which include but are not limited to the following:
- In-store operations should be limited to those employees who are responsible for the operations required for curbside pickup;
- Customer transactions should be handled in advance by phone, email, facsimile or other means that avoid person-to-person contact;
- Customers shall notify the retailer by text message, email, or phone once they arrive, or make best efforts to schedule their arrival time in advance. The customer should be asked to remain in their vehicle, if arriving by car, until store staff delivers the purchase;
- Designated employees should bring goods outside of the retail establishment and place goods directly in a customer's vehicle when possible, avoiding person-to-person contact; and
- Such businesses must follow social distancing and mitigation practices outlined in previous orders, including requiring workers to wear cloth face coverings when in contact with other workers or customers and gloves when in contact with goods or customers.
- Car Gatherings: The Order states that car gatherings do not violate the Governor's ban on gatherings under Executive Order No. 107. Examples of such car gatherings include but are not limited to drive-in movies, religious services, or drive-through farms or safaris. Car gatherings will be subject to the restrictions in the Order, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Attendees must remain in their same car throughout the gathering, unless 1) an occupant needs to get out of the vehicle for their health or safety or 2) an occupant needs to use the restroom;
- The vehicle must remain closed at all times unless 1) there is six feet of distance between other vehicles or individuals or 2) an officer, public official or guard requires the vehicle to open. There is a further exception allowing the opening of the vehicle if necessary for health or safety;
- Individuals organizing the gathering who are not in vehicles must follow social distancing and wear cloth face coverings; and
- To the degree that a gathering requires pre-payment, or seeks donations of any kind, contactless options for pre-payment or donation, such as online or by telephone, must be offered wherever feasible.
- Retail businesses operating in shopping malls are permitted to operate by curbside pickup, in accordance with the other requirements of this paragraph, but staff must bring the goods to customers at the exterior of the mall. The indoor portions of shopping malls must remain closed, as required by the Governor's previous orders.
may 6, 2020
'Data Determines Dates': Murphy Extends NJ Public Health Crisis Again
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy will be signing an executive order to extend the state's public health crisis an additional 30 days, he said Wednesday.
The governor declared both a state of emergency and public health crisis March 9 as the virus was beginning to spread. He extended the crisis by 30 days on April 7, which will be in effect until early June.
"We're seeing good signs, but we can't lull ourselves into thinking that all is well," he said before extending the crisis for a second time.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy will be signing an executive order to extend the state's public health crisis an additional 30 days, he said Wednesday.
The governor declared both a state of emergency and public health crisis March 9 as the virus was beginning to spread. He extended the crisis by 30 days on April 7, which will be in effect until early June.
"We're seeing good signs, but we can't lull ourselves into thinking that all is well," he said before extending the crisis for a second time.
may 4, 2020
NJ Schools Closed For Remainder Of Year, HS Sports Cancelled
New Jersey's schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.
Online learning will continue for the rest of the year "to protect the health of our children, our educators, and their families," he said.
"Guided by safety and science, this is the best course of action."
The NJSIAA also cancelled spring sports citing a lack of viable testing.
New Jersey's schools will remain closed for the remainder of the year, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday.
Online learning will continue for the rest of the year "to protect the health of our children, our educators, and their families," he said.
"Guided by safety and science, this is the best course of action."
The NJSIAA also cancelled spring sports citing a lack of viable testing.
APRIL 8, 2020
Gov. Phil Murphy announced today he will sign an Executive Order that will result in the stoppage of work to non-essential construction projects.
The pending EO will largely focus on the closure of residential construction work and it will take effect indefinitely at 8 p.m. Friday.
Exceptions to this shut-down include:
Thus far, the guidance NJBIA has received indicates that landscaping and other work deemed as maintenance will continue to be permitted.
NJBIA has been advised that FAQs regarding the new EO are coming. We will post the FAQs and the specific language of the Executive Order on our Coronavirus Resource Page as soon as we have it available. We ask that you hold your questions until the FAQs are available as they may answer many of the questions you have.
As with Executive Order 107, NJBIA will relay situations that are unique to the front office to provide more clarity on whether your business is defined as essential or non-essential.
Additionally, Gov. Murphy announced today new Guidelines for Essential Retail Stores, which include:
Michele N. Siekerka
President & CEO
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
The pending EO will largely focus on the closure of residential construction work and it will take effect indefinitely at 8 p.m. Friday.
Exceptions to this shut-down include:
- Projects at New Jersey hospitals and schools
- Transportation and utility sector projects
- The building of affordable housing
- Other individual housing sites that can adhere to strict limits on the number of workers on-site at any given time
- Emergency repairs
- Work needed to safely secure a construction site
- Other limited instances
Thus far, the guidance NJBIA has received indicates that landscaping and other work deemed as maintenance will continue to be permitted.
NJBIA has been advised that FAQs regarding the new EO are coming. We will post the FAQs and the specific language of the Executive Order on our Coronavirus Resource Page as soon as we have it available. We ask that you hold your questions until the FAQs are available as they may answer many of the questions you have.
As with Executive Order 107, NJBIA will relay situations that are unique to the front office to provide more clarity on whether your business is defined as essential or non-essential.
Additionally, Gov. Murphy announced today new Guidelines for Essential Retail Stores, which include:
- All essential retail must indefinitely limit the number of customers in their stores to 50 percent of their approved capacity.
- Customers and employees must wear face coverings.
- Stores must provide special shopping hours for high-risk individuals, erect physical barriers between customers and cashiers and baggers where practicable, and regularly sanitize areas used by their employees.
Michele N. Siekerka
President & CEO
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
mARCH 21, 2020 |
COVID-19 Press Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2020
CONTACT: Jerrel Harvey
Press Office: Governor's Office
Email: jerrel.harvey@nj.gov
Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses
Order Also Prohibits All Social Gatherings, Mandates Work From Home Arrangements for Employees When Possible, and Invalidates Any Conflicting Local and County Regulations
NEWARK – To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.
“From day one, we’ve made a commitment to be guided by the facts and take any action necessary to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s nine million residents,” said Governor Murphy. “We know the virus spreads through person-to person contact, and the best way to prevent further exposure is to limit our public interactions to only the most essential purposes. This is a time for us all to come together in one mission to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow – and eventually halt – the spread of coronavirus.”
In effort to strengthen the existing social distancing measures in place, the order also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the Order. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order further directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:
Additionally, the order mandates that all businesses or non-profits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements. To the extent a business or non-profit has employees that cannot perform their functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, the business or non-profit should make best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue.
Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site in order to perform their job duties include, but are not limited to, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, other first responders, 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.
The Order continues existing bans on recreational and entertainment businesses, requirements that all restaurants operate by delivery and takeout only, and the directive that all pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools close and all institutions of higher education cease in-person instruction.
Governor Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108, which invalidates any county or municipal restriction that in any way will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107. Municipalities or counties cannot 1) make any additions to or deletions from the list of essential retail businesses; 2) impose any additional limitations on businesses beyond the Governor's Order; 3) impose any additional density or social distancing requirements; or 4) impose any additional restrictions on freedom of movement. The only exceptions are two categories over which municipalities or counties may impose any additional restrictions: 1) online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging and 2) municipal or county parks.
All additional county and municipality restrictions, subject to the provisions above, are not only invalidated, but, going forward, municipalities or counties may not enact or enforce any rule or ordinance which will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 107, click here.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 108, click here.
The orders shall take effect on Saturday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2020
CONTACT: Jerrel Harvey
Press Office: Governor's Office
Email: jerrel.harvey@nj.gov
Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses
Order Also Prohibits All Social Gatherings, Mandates Work From Home Arrangements for Employees When Possible, and Invalidates Any Conflicting Local and County Regulations
NEWARK – To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.
“From day one, we’ve made a commitment to be guided by the facts and take any action necessary to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s nine million residents,” said Governor Murphy. “We know the virus spreads through person-to person contact, and the best way to prevent further exposure is to limit our public interactions to only the most essential purposes. This is a time for us all to come together in one mission to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow – and eventually halt – the spread of coronavirus.”
In effort to strengthen the existing social distancing measures in place, the order also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the Order. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least six feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order further directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with the exceptions of:
- 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.
Additionally, the order mandates that all businesses or non-profits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements. To the extent a business or non-profit has employees that cannot perform their functions via telework or work-from-home arrangements, the business or non-profit should make best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue.
Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site in order to perform their job duties include, but are not limited to, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, other first responders, 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.
The Order continues existing bans on recreational and entertainment businesses, requirements that all restaurants operate by delivery and takeout only, and the directive that all pre-K, elementary, and secondary schools close and all institutions of higher education cease in-person instruction.
Governor Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108, which invalidates any county or municipal restriction that in any way will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107. Municipalities or counties cannot 1) make any additions to or deletions from the list of essential retail businesses; 2) impose any additional limitations on businesses beyond the Governor's Order; 3) impose any additional density or social distancing requirements; or 4) impose any additional restrictions on freedom of movement. The only exceptions are two categories over which municipalities or counties may impose any additional restrictions: 1) online marketplaces for arranging or offering lodging and 2) municipal or county parks.
All additional county and municipality restrictions, subject to the provisions above, are not only invalidated, but, going forward, municipalities or counties may not enact or enforce any rule or ordinance which will or might conflict with any of the provisions of Executive Order No. 107.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 107, click here.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 108, click here.
The orders shall take effect on Saturday, March 21 at 9:00 p.m.
