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New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, signed an executive order on Saturday directing “nearly all residents” to stay home. All gatherings (including weddings and private parties) must be canceled, by order of the governor.

Additionally, all non-essential retail businesses must indefinitely close their physical stores to the public, effective at 9:00 pm tonight (Saturday, March 21). “Only businesses critical to our response may be open to the public.”

This means that grocery stores, gas stations, banks, pet stores, and more will be able to remain open. Restaurants and liquor stores providing take out services will be able to remain open at this time as well.

A full list of guidelines from the state has been posted on the state's website for COVID-19. Wanna know if a business in your community is open? You can view a list of businesses covered by this order on their website here.

“All gatherings are canceled. This means all weddings… and parties,” Murphy said during Saturday’s press conference. “Our singular goal is to make sure we get through this emergency to gather with family and friends later.”

“We must flatten the curve, and ensure our residents are practicing social distancing,” Murphy said.

As of Saturday’s press conference, Murphy revealed that there had been 442 more positive #COVID19 test results, bringing the state’s total number of cases 1,327. The state has learned about five additional COVID-19-related deaths, as of Saturday morning.

The governor emphasized that it is not time to panic as we all do our part to “flatten the curve,” but says as the availability of testing has increased this has been expected.

“Life in New Jersey does not have to come to a complete standstill,” Murphy said. “We want people to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. If you head to take a walk or go for a run or go to the grocery store, please continue practice social distancing.”

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