Measures tighten significantly in NJ amid novel coronavirus crisis

As New Jerseyans wake up on Sunday, March 22, ound that a lot has changed since the prior day. Governor Phil Murphy ordered all New Jersey residents to stay home unless going to the grocery store or pharmacy, or for other essential services, as of 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. Goal is to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Gatherings of any size are also now banned, including weddings and funeral services, Murphy said in a Saturday briefing. The measures were announced amid New Jersey's 1,327 positive C0VID-19 cases and 16 deaths.

The list of essential services that may remain open can be found at covid19.nj.gov. Here's the information in a nutshell:

Essential businesses that may remain open include:

Grocery stores

Banks and other financial institutions

Liquor stores

Health care facilities, stores within those facilities, medical supply stores.

Farmer's markets/farms selling directly to customers

Pharmacies

Medical supply stores

Gas stations, auto repair and auto parts stores

Food banks

Pet supply stores

Home improvement and hardware stores

Laundromats and dry-cleaners

Dentist offices and physical therapy facilities.

Mail and delivery stores

Restaurants and bars can continue takeout and delivery services (only).

Visit covid19.nj.gov for a more complete list. Murphy acknowleged that some businesses fall into a gray area, as they may also be essential too. That will be further looked into, he said. Goal is to keep people who do not to be on the road, off the road. Businesses not on the list needed to close as of 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020 and the order is indefinite, and Murphy noted that "this will not end soon," and certainly will not end in a week from now.

Physical distance of 6 feet must be maintained between individuals outdoors, with the exclusion of romantic partners, families and caretakers.

Essential workers include: All first responders, grocery store workers, pharmacy employees, convenience store workers, utility, construction, warehouse, lab, maintenance, IT maintenance repair workers, nannies, media, home health aids, attorneys, bank employees, dentists, health care workers, and employees of stores that supply items for children under age 5.

Schools remain closed.

For more information, visit covid19.gov.

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