Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, along with Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont held a conference call to announce a partnership that the three states have established to respond to the growing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Governor Cuomo began the call criticizing the slow response that the federal government has taken to the virus since November of 2019. “We need the federal government to do a better job than they have been doing,” Governor Cuomo said. “The federal government has to step up. They have been behind since day one on this crisis.”
The governors have agreed to a common set of rules that will apply to all three states.
The restrictions include:
- Casinos, gyms, racetracks and movie theaters will be closed until further notice, effective 8 p.m. Monday;
- Bars and restaurants will close for sit-down eating starting tonight at 8 p.m., in the future, they will be limited to take out and delivery only;
- All nonessential stores will close nightly at 8 p.m., but are allowed to reopen the following day;
- Essential stores — grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, medical offices — will be allowed to stay open after 8 p.m.
“All non-essential and non-emergency travel in New Jersey is strongly discouraged, beginning tonight at 8:00pm until 5:00am each day. This will remain in effect for the foreseeable future,” said Governor Murphy. He continued, “Businesses which play a direct role in our response efforts and are necessary for the public’s welfare – supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, gas stations, etc. will be able to stay open after 8:00pm.”
