On Saturday, March 21, Gov. Phil Murphy 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.

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;
• Cell phone stores;
• Bicycle shops;
• Livestock feed stores;
• Garden centers;
• Farming equipment stores.

Nothing in the Order shall limit:

1. the provision of health care or medical services;
2. access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks;
3. the operations of the media;
4. law enforcement agencies, or
5. the operations of the federal government.

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,
• certain administrative staff.