Gov. Murphy Clarifies What NJ Business Can Open Amid Coronavirus

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy has clarified which businesses are permitted to open –and the ways in which certain businesses may operate – under the stay-at-home order he issued at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in March.

One of the major changes involves certain pet-care operations that are now permitted to open, including groomers. Under his original order, pet stores were considered essential businesses, but it wasn't completely clear if groomers fell under that category.

Car-shoppers are also now allowed to test-drive vehicles. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus

Murphy issued the "stay-at-home" order on March 21 when the state's coronavirus death toll was 16 and the number of positive tests in New Jersey was 1,327. The case total has since risen to 111,188, and 6,044 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy is expected to give an update on the coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey during a 1 p.m. news conference. Read more: WATCH LIVE: Gov. Phil Murphy Issues NJ Coronavirus Update

Here is what Murphy's new order says:

• Pet grooming businesses, pet daycare, and pet boarding businesses shall be considered essential retail businesses.
• Stores that principally sell items necessary for religious observation or worship shall be considered essential retail businesses.
• Car dealerships may permit customers that have ordered and/or purchased a vehicle online or by phone to test drive the vehicle at the time of pick-up or prior to delivery, provided the dealership adopts social distancing policies.
• The individual is given access to the vehicle alone, and the dealership appropriately cleans and sanitizes the vehicle after the test drive if the customer does not purchase the vehicle.
• Licensees, owners, operators, employees or independent contractors of personal care services facilities are not permitted to provide personal care services in their own homes, the homes of others, or in any facility or business setting.
• The exception to that would be if the personal care service provider is providing the service to their household members, immediate family or other individuals with whom they have a close personal relationship, such as a caretaker or romantic partner. A prior business relationship alone does not qualify as a close personal relationship.

“As long as my stay-at-home order remains in effect, we’ll continue to provide New Jerseyans and our business community at-large with as much clarity as possible for any and all restrictions we’ve put in place,” said Murphy. “I thank everyone for doing their part to stay at home and maintain social distancing, which is the single most important thing we can do to beat this virus.”

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Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy offered a broad reopening plan on Monday, April 27, providing a six-point outline to "restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery." Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues 6-Point NJ Reopen Plan In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order on Saturday, March 21, closing all non-essential business. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy, speaking during a Thursday, April 16 press conference, said schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump
• Murphy announced on Tuesday, April 7 that state and county parks will close. Read more: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis's Deadliest Day

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.