Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday asked New Jersey residents to remain in their homes from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Additionally, the governors of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut said that all restaurants, bars, movie theaters, gyms, casinos, and racetracks must shut down at 8 p.m. tonight and will remain closed until it is deemed safe for their reopening in their respective states. Restaurants and bars can continue to offer take-out and delivery services.
“Effective tonight, all other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses MUST CLOSE after 8 p.m.” Murphy said. “During daytime hours, these businesses may remain open if they limit their occupancy to no more than 50 persons and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Essential businesses which are necessary for the public’s health, safety, and welfare – like supermarkets and grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, and gas stations – may remain open past 8 p.m.”
Murphy banned gatherings of 50+, as well.
The governor also ordered the closure of all pre-K, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions beginning March 18.
“We do not take any of the steps we’ve announced today lightly,” said Murphy. “We know that these will impact residents and families, communities, and businesses. But our paramount concern is to #FlattenTheCurve – these steps will ensure we do not overload our health care system.”
To slow the spread of #COVID19, I'm ordering:
•Closure of ALL pre-K, K-12 schools, higher ed insts. beginning 3/18
•Closure of ALL casinos, racetracks, theaters, gyms
•Closure of ALL non-essential retail, recreational, & entertainment bizs after 8pm
•Banning gatherings of 50+ pic.twitter.com/mmZe0bZWgb— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 16, 2020
Good afternoon,
I am just concerned about being able to pay bills now that I cannot work. As someone who lives paycheck to paycheck, what am I supposed to do? Is there any help being offered for this?
Thank you,
Abby Molnar