“Stay Home” – New Jersey Governor Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Close Indefinitely

New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, signed an executive order on Saturday directing “nearly all residents” to stay home. All gatherings (including weddings and private parties) must be canceled, by order of the governor.

All non-essential retail businesses must indefinitely close their physical stores to the public, effective 9:00 pm tonight (Saturday, March 21). “Only businesses critical to our response may be open to the public.”

This means that grocery stores, gas stations, banks, pet stores, and more will be able to remain open. Restaurants and liquor stores providing take out services will be able to remain open at this time as well.

As of Saturday’s press conference, Murphy revealed that there had been 442 more positive #COVID19 test results, bringing the state’s total number of cases 1,327. The state has learned about five additional COVID-19-related deaths, as of Saturday morning.

The governor emphasized that it is not time to panic as we all do our part to “flatten the curve,” but says as the availability of testing has increased this has been expected.

“Life in New Jersey does not have to come to a complete standstill,” Murphy said. “We want people to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. If you head to take a walk or go for a run or go to the grocery store, please continue practice social distancing.”