NJ Coronavirus: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut

NEW JERSEY – Non-essential businesses in New Jersey will shut beginning on Monday at 8 p.m. because of the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Phil Murphy announced. New Jerseyans should not do "non-essential travel" – such as leaving your home – from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Murphy said.

New Jersey will also not allow gatherings of 50 people or more. All schools will be shut down as of Wednesday, too, now that 178 cases have been reported statewide. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy

All movie theaters, restaurants, gyms and casinos will close in an attempt to flatten the curve of the spread, Murphy said in an appearance with NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo and CT Gov. Ned Lamont.

It's not clear when these businesses will be allowed to reopen fully.

Restaurants can do take-out after 8 p.m.

Bergen County went another step further on Monday, shutting down malls and shopping centers. Read more: Bergen County Closes Malls, Shopping Centers Due To Coronavirus

The orders came as state officials announced on Monday that a third person in New Jersey died because of the virus. Read more: 3rd Death In New Jersey Due To Coronavirus

New York and Connecticut also took the same steps as New Jersey.

Related:

• Coronavirus: NY To Close All Restaurants, Bars, Movie Theaters
• CT Coronavirus: Restaurants, Bars In CT, NY & NJ To Close

Cuomo said New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are taking these steps and "need the federal government to do a better job than the've been doing."

"They have been behind from day one on this crisis," he said.

Murphy said "we're going to get through this as one family" and noted that he'll have more details during a 2 p.m. press conference. You can watch that live here:

Here is what Murphy outlined in his executive order:

• Closure of all pre-K, K-12 schools, colleges, and universities beginning March 18
• Closure of all casinos, racetracks, theaters, gyms
• Closure of all non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses after 8 p.m.
• Banning gatherings of 50 or more
• All bars and restaurants are closed for eat-in services effective 8 p.m. on Monday.
• After 8 p.m., these establishments may open for takeout and delivery services only, until further notice.
• These restrictions exist during daytime hours.
• All non-essential and non-emergency travel in New Jersey is strongly discouraged between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. This will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
• "We want everyone to be home – and not out," Murphy said
• Essential businesses which are necessary for the public’s health, safety, and welfare – like supermarkets and grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, and gas stations – may remain open past 8 p.m.
• Online gaming will continue.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's closing its offices for two weeks. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus

The New Jersey Department of Corrections is temporarily suspending visits during the outbreak. Read more: NJDOC Suspends Visitations To State Prisons and Halfway Houses

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• The second person in New Jersey to die because of the illness was announced on Saturday, March 14. Read more: 2nd Death Due To Coronavirus In New Jersey
• 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
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended for two weeks, beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate public exposure to COVID-19 coronavirus.
• The state also said it will no longer label the positive tests as "presumptive positive" cases. They are now considered "positive" and "confirmed."

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.