Gov. Phil Murphy on Saturday issued a stay-at-home order and directed all nonessential retail establishments to close, effective 9 pm today, Saturday. March 21, 2020.
“It’s no time for panic, but it’s no time for business as usual,” Murphy said at a press conference.
People can venture outside–takeout still is allowed–but all gatherings are banned and social distancing is essential.
The full order is here. Video of the governor’s press conference is below, from NJTV. Murphy’s order is similar to measures imposed in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Illinois.
Prohibited activities include:
…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.
Here’s what still IS permitted:
…obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities.
These also ARE allowed to 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.
As of Saturday, New Jersey is reporting 1,327 cases of COVID-19, with 16 deaths. Morris County has 64 positive test results.
Video of Gov. Murphy announcement, via NJTV:
I am concerned if grooming salons are still open because the list included pet stores but being a groomer and having worked at many grooming salons I know the groomers stand side-by-side and are often not even 3 ft apart from each other’s tables and indoors they should be 6 feet apart from what I understand and people coming to drop off and pick up their dogs are walking into a closed room where all the rumors have been breathing and possibly coughing and God knows what else and this is a way to spread the the covd 19 two people and then they walk around the pet stores close to other people and touching things I think if they’re not already closed they should be in roaming you touch a lot of things tools sinks dryers the computer the phone things that people share dot-dot-dot please let me know I’m concerned
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