New Jersey Construction Projects Resume Subject to Restrictions
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Non-essential construction projects in New Jersey resumed on Monday, May 18, 2020.
05.20.20
On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 142 which also permits, subject to limitations, non-essential retail businesses to allow curbside pickup of goods, and “car gatherings” including drive-in movies and religious services.
The order allowed non-essential construction projects to resume effective at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 18. All construction projects must abide by social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements. Some of the required mitigation procedures include sanitizing frequently touched surfaces, maintaining six feet between individuals whenever possible, and the mandatory use of face-coverings and gloves by workers. Non-essential construction projects had been halted since Friday, April 10, 2020.
The order also allows non-essential retail businesses to allow curbside pickup of goods. These businesses must continue to have their in-store operations closed to customers. Businesses must follow social distancing and mitigation practices including requiring workers to wear cloth face coverings when in contact with other workers or customers. Workers must wear gloves when in contact with goods or customers. The indoor areas of shopping malls are required to remain closed.
The order allows “car gatherings” including drive-in movies, religious services, and drive-through attractions, subject to certain limitations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, attendees must remain in their same car throughout the gathering, unless an occupant needs to get out of the vehicle for their health or safety, or an occupant needs to use the restroom.
New Jersey is among the states hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Murphy’s order marks the first meaningful steps towards relaxing the state’s restrictions on non-essential businesses.
The Coronavirus Task Force at Klehr Harrison stands ready to assist you in your business and legal needs. We will continue to provide additional information and guidance as the COVID-19 situation develops.
Author Gaetano Piccirilli is a partner in the Litigation Department at Klehr Harrison.