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TRENTON – With new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to trend downward, Gov. Phil Murphy announced May 13 that non-essential stores that have been closed since mid-March will be allowed to reopen and conduct curb-side transactions.
Murphy’s relaxation of current lockdown restraints will take effect May 13, at 6 a.m. No customers will be allowed in the stores, but orders can be taken online or by phone with pick-up outside the store.
The governor also said he will allow non-essential construction to move forward. Murphy said the workers at construction sites must wear face coverings. All non-essential visitors are prohibited at the work site. He also said workers’ shifts will need to be staggered to prevent overcrowding at the site.
It is possible that individual municipalities will have to alter ordinance restrictions to expand allowable construction times to facilitate staggered shifts.
The governor said, “We are not out of the woods yet,” reminding residents to continue practicing social distancing protocols.
Murphy called the reopening of non-essential business as part of the “Road Back” from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Murphy’s new executive order is not yet posted on the governor’s website. He discussed the changes at his daily briefing on the progress of the fight against COVID-19. Additional mitigation protocol details may be included when it is published.
