Explanation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107 Regarding Non-Retail or Manufacturing Businesses
Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107 on March 21, 2020 (the “Order”), which requires the closure of all non-essential brick-and-mortar retail businesses, and requires all New Jersey residents to remain at home or at their place of residence unless engaging in one of nine exempted activities. Order at ¶ 2. One of the exempted activities permitting travel within the State is when a person is “reporting to, or performing, their job.” Id. However, and as it relates to this exemption, the Order requires that “all businesses or non-profits in the State, whether closed or open to the public, must accommodate their workforce, wherever practicable, for telework or work-from-home arrangements.” Order at ¶ 10. In the event that the functions of a particular employee or employees cannot be performed through a telework or work-from-home arrangement, the Order allows those employees to be at the place of employment, but the business or non-profit must make its “best efforts to reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure that essential operations can continue.” Order at ¶ 11 (emphasis added). The Order specifically identifies certain types of employees that may need to be physically present at their place of businesses. These include the following: Law enforcement, fire fighters and other first responders; Cashiers or store clerks;...