Governor Murphy Lifts Stay-At-Home Order

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, Governor Murphy announced at his daily COVID-19 press conference that he is signing Executive Order 152 and Executive Order 153 that will “lift” the stay-at-home order he issued on March 21 in Executive Order 107. Paragraph 2 of Executive Order 107 required all New Jersey residents to remain home with some exceptions, such as obtaining goods or services from essential retail services. Now, New Jerseyans can leave their home for any reason, as long as they maintain social distance (6 feet) and wear face coverings.

The new executive order does not appear to change the requirements imposed on essential retail businesses, like new car dealerships. And, again, under this new order, maintaining a social distance and wearing a face covering are still required when in public. Therefore, all of the requirements imposed on essential retail businesses will remain in effect. For dealerships this means:

Governor Murphy’s previous announcement, that non-essential businesses would be permitted to reopen June 15 has caused some confusion and NJ CAR is trying to get clarification from the Governor’s Office and State Police. Under the latest order, it appears that any retail establishment (other than a car dealership) would be permitted to engage walk-in customers without an appointment , so long as that retailer limits traffic to 50% of its maximum capacity and follows all other applicable public health guidelines (e.g., social distancing, face masks, etc.).

Because dealerships are currently operating under the by-appointment-only requirement imposed by Administrative Order 2020-13, it would appear that dealership showrooms will be subject to a more restrictive customer engagement policy than non-essential retail operations. This seems counter-intuitive and so NJ CAR has asked that the by-appointment- only requirement imposed by Administrative Order 2020-13 be lifted, so that dealerships can conduct efficient sales activity at the same level as every other essential and non-essential retail business in the State.

Governor Murphy also announced, yesterday, that the EDA opened up applications for another $45 million in small business grants. The EDA’s Micro Business Loan Program will also offer loans of up to $50,000 for small businesses.

As more information becomes available, NJ CAR will keep you updated on Governor Murphy’s newest executive order and other reopening measures.