Christopher BergTrenton, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a “stay at home” order for the state’s resident’s on Saturday.
The order will go into effect starting 9 p.m. Saturday, according to NBC News.
All non-essential businesses will be forced to close immediately, and all social gatherings must be canceled.
There was no timeframe on the order, and it will last until further notice.
Businesses that can stay open include banks, laundromats, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, auto repair shops, hardware stores, pet stores, medical services, and medical marijuana dispensaries.
Restaurants are allowed to continue providing take-out, according to WCAU.
People are told to only go out to shop at essential businesses, get medical care, or exercise while maintaining social distancing.
“Any place people congregate is a place where coronavirus can be spread. This is no time for anyone to be acting selfishly and taking a gathering underground, but this is the time to think about your family, your friends, your neighbors and do the right thing,” Gov. Murphy said. “As I have said before, we can no longer maintain a sense of business as usual during this emergency.”
New Jersey joins California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Nevada in forcing the closure of all non-essential businesses.