Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Closing State and County Parks to Further Social Distancing

Governor Phil Murphy announced Executive Order 118, closing all state parks and forests and county parks to further social distancing measures. 

“My Administration’s top priority is to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases, so we do not create a surge within our health care systems and overwhelm the health care professionals who are managing our response on the frontlines,” said Governor Murphy. “We have seen far too many instances in our parks where people are gathering and socializing in groups and by closing these areas, we are further limiting public interactions to only the most essential purposes. Data shows that our aggressive efforts to flatten the curve are beginning to make a difference; however, we must continue our push to flatten it to the point where our day-over-day increase is zero.”

Under Executive Order No. 108 (2020), municipalities still have the authority to keep municipal parks open or closed.

Governor Murphy and Superintendent Callahan Authorize Municipalities and Counties to Restrict Short-Term Rentals

Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced an Administrative Order allowing municipalities and counties to impose additional restrictions on short-term rentals in response to COVID-19. 

“We have heard too many stories, especially from our shore communities, of people trying to relocate, for the time being, into their towns from impacted areas,” said Governor Murphy. “Many of our shore communities lack the health care infrastructure to accommodate an influx of part-time residents. New Jerseyans should stay at their primary place of residence for the duration of this emergency.”

“The only way we will flatten the curve is by continuing to practice social distancing and by traveling only when necessary,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This administrative order will empower vulnerable communities, like shore towns, allowing individual municipalities to impose restrictions, which will prevent people from relocating from more affected communities.”

Governor Murphy Announces Postponement of June 2nd Primary Elections Until July 7th

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 120, postponing primary elections on Tuesday, June 2nd to Tuesday, July 7th in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  This includes primaries for President, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the 25th District of the New Jersey Legislature, and county and municipal elections, as well as county committee elections.  Last month, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 105, which delayed certain elections set to take place in March and April until May 12th.

“Preserving basic functions of our democracy is critical in this unprecedented time,” said Governor Murphy. “Citizens exercising their right to vote should not have to risk their safety and the safety of others in order to make their voices heard. Postponing our primary elections is a difficult, yet necessary, choice to ensure that our citizens can partake in their civic duty of voting.”

“Governor Murphy’s decision to move New Jersey’s primary election to July 7, 2020 will provide our state, county, and local election officials with the time we need to prepare for a free, fair, and safe election for New Jersey voters.” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way.

Governor Murphy, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Officials Tour Field Medical Station in Edison

Governor Murphy, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, Major General Jeffrey Millhorn and Lt. Col David Park, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, toured the new field medical station at the New Jersey Exposition and Convention Center in Edison. The facility has 500 beds and will serve as a relief facility for hospitals.