Governor Murphy Closes Non-Essential Businesses, All Public Gatherings

Share this:

(Camden, NJ) – Governor Phil Murphy has issued executive order number 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.

The governor’s order also requires all nonessential businesses in the state to close effective 9 p.m., Saturday, March 21, 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.

“We are at war with this virus, and the only way to defeat it is to limit our exposure, adhere to social distancing as strictly as possible, and follow all of the orders outlined by the Gov. Murphy,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “We understand that this will disrupt daily life and cause interruptions to our normal order of business, however strong measures are necessary if we are to flatten the curve and save lives. If you are not reporting to work, seeking groceries or getting medical care, you need to stay home.”

The Order also continues existing other social distancing measures applied to 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.

For more information, read more about the governor’s executive order here.