NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order Saturday, March 21, mandating that all New Jersey residents stay at home indefinitely in light of the spreading COVID-19 disease, with a few specific exceptions.
All gatherings, celebrations and parties must also be canceled, including weddings. The “Stay At Home” Executive Order 107 mandates that residents only leave their homes to obtain goods or services from essential businesses; get food or beverage takeout; seek medical attention; need social or law enforcement services; visit family or romantic partners; leave for educational, political or religious reasons; or are directed to do so by law enforcement or a government agency.
“We’re at war, if that is not apparent already,” Murphy told a reporter at the state press conference Saturday afternoon. “There’s no need to panic, but this is not a normal time. So, we’re taking steps that we feel like we have to take.”
Additionally, people are encouraged to partake in outdoor activities like walking or running, but to do so following social distancing guidelines and being at least 6 feet apart from other individuals outside.
“Earlier last week we said if you’re traveling around the state between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. and you’re nonessential, we want you off the roads. We’re basically saying that’s now 24 hours. We don’t want you out there,” Murphy said.
There are now 98 positive novel coronavirus cases in Monmouth County, the county announced Saturday afternoon. In the Two River area, that includes three in Colts Neck, three in Little Silver, seven in Middletown, one in Monmouth Beach, two in Red Bank and one in Rumson.
