On April 8, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 122 which, among other things, halted nonessential construction in New Jersey effective Friday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. Essential construction may continue, which includes healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, transportation and infrastructure projects, pre-k to 12th grade and higher education facilities, utility projects and affordable housing. There are also several other exceptions for facilities that manufacture and distribute goods and products sold online, projects supporting first responders, government projects, emergency work and work required for safety reasons, and smaller residential projects.
Governor Murphy’s Order also sets forth requirements for safety on essential construction projects that must be followed, including limiting meetings, distancing rules, following CDC guidelines, staggered lunch times and breaks, and required face coverings. For a complete list of what is considered essential and what non-essential work is excepted, as well as the rules for essential projects, Executive Order 122 can be seen here. For more information on what you can do if your project is affected, see So the Government Shut Down Your Construction Project—What Next?