Governor Phil Murphy

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This Week In New Jersey: May 22nd, 2020

05/22/2020

Governor Murphy Unveils Multi-Stage Approach to Execute a Responsible and Strategic Restart of New Jersey's Economy

As part of his vision, “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health,” Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a multi-stage approach to execute a responsible and strategic economic restart to put New Jersey on the road back to recovery from COVID-19. The multi-stage blueprint, guided by the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission and complementary Advisory Councils, plans for a methodical and strategic reopening of businesses and activities based on level of disease transmission risk and essential classification.

“Through our combined efforts, we have flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases, and we are well-positioned to continue our restart and recovery process,” said Governor Murphy. “Our multi-stage approach uses science, data, and facts to determine which businesses and activities can reopen according to their risk level and challenges they face to safeguard public health. Additionally, we will be guided by our ability to protect against a new COVID-19 outbreak with expanded testing and contact tracing, and clear social distancing safeguards in place. We are currently in Stage 1, and we will aim to move through each stage quickly, but also judiciously, with the public health of our communities and all New Jerseyans in mind. We are also counting on all New Jerseyans to continue keeping themselves and their neighbors safe by wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting gatherings.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Certain Outdoor Recreational Businesses and Community Gardens to Open With Social Distancing Measures in Place

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 147, allowing certain outdoor activities at recreational businesses, including archery ranges, batting cages, golf driving ranges, horseback riding, shooting ranges, and tennis clubs as well as community gardens to open with required social distancing measures in place. The Order takes effect on Friday, May 22 at 6:00 a.m.

“This action represents another gradual step on our road back to restart and recovery,” said Governor Murphy. “I’ve made it clear that data will inform our decisions, and we feel comfortable that we can begin to resume certain outdoor business operations and activities with social distancing measures in place.”

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NJ Transit Awarded $1.4 Billion in Cares Act Funding

NJ TRANSIT has been awarded $1.4 billion in federal aid through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This critical emergency relief funding will enable NJ TRANSIT to continue to provide service to essential workers who are on the front lines of the Coronavirus response.

“I want to again thank President Trump, the federal administration, and our congressional delegation for their approval yesterday of $1.4 billion in CARES Act funding for NJ TRANSIT,” said Governor Murphy. “I cannot overstate how vital this funding is to ensure the safe, efficient operations of our mass transit system, as we begin to restart our economy and New Jerseyans return to work.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Increasing Capacity Limit on Outdoor Gatherings

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 148, increasing the limit on outdoor gatherings from 10 to 25 people and allowing recreational campgrounds to reopen with social distancing measures in place. The limit on indoor gatherings remains at 10 people. The Order takes effect immediately. 

“Our steady progress on the road back has been made possible through the hard work and personal responsibility of New Jerseyans to safeguard public health,” said Governor Murphy. “I’m proud that we can confidently take this step today and provide further optimism for the unofficial start of summer.”

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Governor Murphy, Walmart, and Quest Diagnostics Announce Partnership to Expand Testing Capacity in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy, Walmart, and Quest Diagnostics announced that seven Walmart stores across New Jersey will open COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites beginning on May 22. The testing sites, which are supported by state and local officials, Walmart, and Quest Diagnostics, will test adults who meet Centers for Disease Control and state and local criteria on who should be tested, including first responders, health care providers, and others with symptoms of COVID-19, and those in high-risk groups without symptoms. 

“A strong testing program is one of the foundational principles for New Jersey’s road back to restart and recovery,” said Governor Murphy. “I am incredibly grateful for our partnership with Walmart and Quest Diagnostics to expand our testing capacity and bring these critical testing resources into our communities to increase access for our residents.”

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