New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issues stay-at-home order for nearly all of state's 9M residents
The governor of New Jersey on Saturday issued a stay-at-home order for nearly all of the state's 9 million residents in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.
Similar sweeping mandates have been made in California, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania and other states.
“We must flatten the curve and ensure residents are practicing social distancing," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in announcing the new restrictions. But, he added, “Even with this order in effect … life in New Jersey does not have to come to a complete standstill.”
The governor told residents not to panic, but, he said, "We're at war."
Starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, New Jersey residents must stay home and all nonessential businesses have to close indefinitely. All gatherings including weddings, in-person services and parties, are canceled until further notice, Murphy said.
Businesses considered essential that can remain open include grocery stores and pharmacies, gas stations, banks and other financial institutions and laundromats.
Employees who must report to work are encouraged to get a letter from their job indicating that they work in an "industry permitted to continue operations," according to the state's newly launched coronavirus website.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-jersey-gov-phil-murphy-issues-stay-home-order-nearly-n1165661