COVID-19–Status of New Jersey Business Operations as of March 30, 2020
Pursuant to a series of Executive Orders issued by Governor Phil Murphy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (together with related guidance and orders issued by the Office of Emergency Management), certain businesses must cease operations while others may maintain operations during normal business hours, subject to social distancing protocols.
Each retail business in New Jersey must close unless it is considered essential. However, if a retail business has a physical storefront, it may continue delivery and online operations only. If a business is not a retail business, it may continue to operate but it must permit employees to work from home whenever possible. If there are certain employees that need to be on-site, such employees may not exceed the minimum number needed for critical operations. Additionally, there are five blanket categories of businesses that may remain open.
If a retail business is not essential but should be considered essential, inquiries can be made with the Business.NJ.gov team via the “chat” feature in the bottom right corner of this site.
The chart below summarizes the current slate of rules with respect to non-retail/retail businesses, blanket exemptions, and closures.
| Non-Retail Businesses Allowed to Remain Open |
|
| Essential Retail Businesses Allowed to Remain Open |
|
| Blanket Exemption Categories Allowed to Remain Open |
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| Businesses Allowed to Remain Open but with Limited Staff solely for Essential Operations |
|
| Businesses that Must Close | Recreational and Entertainment Businesses, including:
a. Barbershops b. Hair Salons c. Spas d. Nail and Eyelash Salons e. Tattoo Parlors f. Massage Parlors g. Tanning Salons h. Pet Groomers i. Public and Private Social Clubs 8. Golf courses |
Update – Federal Firearms Licensees are now considered an essential retail business only to complete the portion of a sale or transfer that must conducted under state and/or federal law and must be conducted by appointment or for product maintenance and service repair.
Please do not hesitate to contact Cole Schotz P.C. with any questions regarding this alert. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice. For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.
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