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Reopening Guidance and Restrictions FAQs

  • What rules or safety guidelines are in place for reopened businesses? Are any businesses closed?

    Last Updated: 11/25/2020
    Most businesses can reopen, while following appropriate mitigation requirements. Links to industry-specific guidance can be found below. For a timeline of reopening dates and more information about...
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  • What safety precautions must my employer take?

    Last Updated: 10/28/2020
    Beginning November 5, employers that require or permit their workforce to be physically present at a worksite must abide by the following requirements, at a minimum, to protect employees, customers...
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  • How can people safely get together? What are the limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Attending a gathering, ceremony, or celebration is permitted, but different limits apply depending on the type of gathering and where it is happening: Indoor Gatherings Face coverings are required ...
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  • When and how is New Jersey lifting restrictions? What does a responsible and strategic restart of New Jersey’s economy look like?

    Last Updated: 02/03/2021
    On May 18, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a multi-stage approach to execute the responsible and strategic economic restart to put New Jersey on the road back to recovery from COVID-19. New Jer...
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  • Are schools open? What are the safety requirements?

    Last Updated: 02/19/2021
    2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR The majority of schools currently remain open in some form for in-person instruction. Every school must reopen in accordance with the health and safety guidelines outlined in ...
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  • Have elections moved or changed in New Jersey because of COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 02/23/2021
    Upcoming Elections February fire district elections, March special school elections, and all other special elections for filling vacancies or deciding municipal questions are postponed until April ...
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  • Are New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agencies open? What new protocols or practices are in place?

    Last Updated: 01/27/2021
    Motor Vehicle Commission agencies are open to the public six days a week, Mondays through Saturdays. NOTE: For the safety of residents 65 and older, special senior hours have been set aside every T...
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  • What are the reopening rules for bars and restaurants? What precautions or policies must they take?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Food or beverage establishments may open, including restaurants, bars, cafeterias, and food courts, as well as all holders of a liquor license with retail consumption privileges. Establishments mus...
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  • Can I still get married? Are wedding venues open?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Yes, so long as ceremonies and receptions comply with the limits on gatherings and other safety guidelines. Note: Indoor wedding receptions are currently capped at 10 people, while outdoor receptio...
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  • Are gyms open? What rules or safety guidance must they follow?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    All gyms and fitness centers may reopen indoor and outdoor spaces so long as they follow required social distancing and other safety protocols. This also applies to health club facilities located i...
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  • Are churches and other houses of worship offering services? What are the social distancing requirements?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Yes, houses of worship can open for in-person services. Individuals should check with their houses of worship to see if in-person religious services have resumed. While services can resume, houses ...
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  • Are beaches open? What are the restrictions?

    Last Updated: 12/07/2020
    Beaches, boardwalks, lakes, and lakeshores in New Jersey can reopen, permitted that social distancing measures are followed. NOTE: The beach season has ended at many localities for the year. For sp...
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  • Can funerals or memorial services be held?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Funerals and memorial services may continue to be held and must comply with the limits on gatherings. Indoor gatherings for religious services and celebrations, including funerals and memorial serv...
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  • Can retail stores and malls reopen? What are the social distancing requirements at retail businesses for customers, employees, and business owners?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Retail Stores Retail stores may open so long as they follow mitigation requirements described below. Indoor portions of retail shopping malls may also reopen and businesses must adhere to the same ...
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  • Are barber shops, nail salons, massage parlors, spas, and tattoo parlors open? What safety precautions must they take?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    The following types of personal care businesses may reopen in New Jersey so long as they adopt the required social distancing and safety protocols: Beauty salons; Barber shops; Cosmetology shops S...
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  • Are golf courses, arcades, batting cages, shooting ranges, arts and crafts studios, dance studios, music lessons, and other art and recreational facilities open? What rules or safety guidance must they follow?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    All recreational businesses may reopen. These businesses include, but are not limited to: Arcades Archery ranges Arts and crafts studios (e.g., painting, ceramics) Batting cages Bowling alleys Dan...
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  • Are parks open? Are campgrounds open?

    Last Updated: 01/20/2021
    State Parks State parks and forests are open. On days of high visitation, some parks may close early. As visitors leave, parks may reopen. Before visiting, check the New Jersey State Park Services'...
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  • Can organized sports resume? What are the safety requirements for sports facilities?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Organized Sports Practices and competitions for indoor and outdoor organized sports may resume in accordance with health and safety protocols. However, interstate youth sports competitions continue...
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  • Are swimming pools open? What are the social distancing requirements and restrictions?

    Last Updated: 12/31/2020
    Indoor and outdoor pools can both reopen, subject to mitigation protocols. Pools must follow the appropriate requirements from Executive Order No. 153, Executive Order No. 157, and the Department o...
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  • Are offices open? What safety precautions must they take? How do I safely return to work?

    Last Updated: 11/05/2020
    Office spaces, as with all workplaces that do not have walk-in customers or products for sale, were never closed. The requirement that businesses or non-profits accommodate their workforce for tele...
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  • Are child care centers open? Is there financial support for child care costs?

    Last Updated: 02/18/2021
    Child care centers are open for all clients. If you need help finding child care, contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency. Child care centers must follow all safety guide...
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  • Are playgrounds, amusement parks, and water parks open? What rules or safety guidance must they follow?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Playgrounds, amusement parks, and water parks may reopen, while following appropriate health and safety standards. Playgrounds and amusement facilities must follow appropriate mitigation requiremen...
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  • Are libraries open? What precautions or policies must be in place?

    Last Updated: 02/26/2021
    Indoor portions of libraries may reopen, while following appropriate mitigation requirements. Reopening plans vary by library. Please check with your local library for more details on hours and pro...
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  • What is guiding New Jersey’s recovery? What is “the Road Back”?

    Last Updated: 06/15/2020
    On March 9, Governor Murphy declared both a state of emergency and a public health emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to save lives, Governo...
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  • Can I visit a nursing home or long-term care facility? How are these facilities reopening? What safety precautions must they take?

    Last Updated: 02/02/2021
    Yes, long-term care facilities in New Jersey may permit visitors. However, please check with a specific facility for visiting hours and policies as there are strict health and safety requirements t...
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  • How can businesses, organizations, and residents support New Jersey’s restart and recovery? What is the One Jersey Pledge?

    Last Updated: 12/09/2020
    To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, New Jersey businesses, organizations, employees, and customers can participate in the One Jersey Pledge, committing to follow health and safety g...
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  • Are hotels open? Can I still use AirBnB? What safety precautions must they take?

    Last Updated: 12/09/2020
    TRAVEL ADVISORY: New Jersey strongly discourages all non-essential interstate travel at this time. Travelers and residents returning from any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (Ne...
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  • Are courts open? Do I have to report for jury duty? Can legal matters be dealt with remotely?

    Last Updated: 02/24/2021
    Federal Courts All civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials have been postponed until March 12, 2021. All in-person judicial proceedings for both civil and criminal cases have been suspen...
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  • Are movie theaters, concert venues, and other entertainment venues open? Are museums, aquariums, and other cultural venues open? What safety guidance must they follow?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Entertainment businesses, cultural venues, and performance centers may reopen. Entertainment businesses must follow the mitigation requirements detailed in paragraphs 7 of page 13 of Executive Orde...
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  • Is public transportation running? What mitigation measures are NJ TRANSIT and private carriers adopting?

    Last Updated: 10/28/2020
    Service Updates NJ Transit has resumed full-service and is running a regular weekday schedule on its bus, rail, light rail, and Access Link services. To learn more about NJ Transit's plan to safely...
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  • Can my child still go on playdates or attend a classmate/friend’s birthday party?

    Last Updated: 01/20/2021
    Yes, however any in-person gathering, ceremony, or celebration must comply with the limits on gatherings. Indoor gatherings must be limited to 10 people. All attendees at indoor gatherings must wea...
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  • Are the data models the State is using accurate? How do they account for all the day-to-day changes?

    Last Updated: 04/28/2020
    The State chose dynamic data models that take into account what we are seeing on the ground at a local level. New Jersey uses an ensemble of models which allow us to: Capture trends at a zip code ...
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  • Can I get something notarized remotely?

    Last Updated: 04/28/2020
    Yes. A new emergency law allows notaries and authorized officials to execute remote notarial acts during the current public health emergency. For remote notarization, the New Jersey Treasury has is...
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  • Can real estate agents continue to show properties in person? Can my landlord show my apartment to potential renters?

    Last Updated: 01/04/2021
    Open Houses Open houses to view real estate are permitted, provided they comply with the restrictions on indoor gatherings. Indoor gatherings must be limited to 10 people. All attendees at indoor g...
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  • Can casinos reopen? What are the social distancing requirements?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Casinos, including casino gaming floors and retail sports wagering lounges, can reopen, while complying with mitigation requirements. Casinos must comply with all requirements from Executive Order ...
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  • Can construction projects continue? What rules or safety guidelines must they follow?

    Last Updated: 11/05/2020
    All construction projects may resume. Construction projects must follow appropriate mitigation requirements detailed inExecutive Order No. 142 and Executive Order No. 192, which are summarized belo...
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  • Is there a curfew?

    Last Updated: 07/09/2020
    There is no curfew in New Jersey. To save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home if you are sick. Face coverings are required...
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  • Are colleges and universities open? What are the safety requirements?

    Last Updated: 01/15/2021
    Institutions of higher education may resume all in-person instruction in accordance with the safety requirements and guidance outlined by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and ...
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  • Have elective surgeries resumed? What are the required safety protocols or social distancing policies?

    Last Updated: 12/11/2020
    Elective surgeries are permitted to resume in New Jersey. Guidance for Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers The Department of Health has issued guidance for hospitals and for ambulatory surgery...
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  • How is the State using data to make decisions and slow the spread of COVID-19?

    Last Updated: 12/09/2020
    Working with a team of leading data scientists and epidemiologists, the State is using several dynamic epidemiology and growth models to predict the spread of the virus and the need for hospital be...
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  • Are manufacturing and warehousing businesses open? What safety precautions must they take?

    Last Updated: 11/05/2020
    Manufacturing and warehousing businesses may remain open and must follow required social distancing and safety protocols detailed in Executive Order No. 122 and Executive Order No. 192. Mask Requir...
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  • Can I still take a taxi or use a ride hailing app like Lyft or Uber?

    Last Updated: 07/09/2020
    Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft remain in operation. To save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and stay home if you...
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  • Can I charter a boat? What are the rules and safety guidelines?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Charter fishing services, for-hire vessels, and watercraft rental businesses may open so long as they follow all safety requirements. Mask Requirement Under Executive Order No. 192, all employees, ...
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  • Is there somewhere I can report violations of Executive Orders? How can I report a business staying open despite being ordered to close or an employer that won't let me work remotely?

    Last Updated: 02/22/2021
    Compliance with Executive Orders is not voluntary. If your employer is not following COVID-19 workplace health and safety protections (Executive Order 192), there is a dedicated intake process main...
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  • If I’m a minor who needs working papers, can those be certified remotely?

    Last Updated: 05/02/2020
    You should contact your local school district to check on the process for certifying employment certificates or "working papers". Executive Order 135 allows minors seeking to certify working papers...
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  • Where can I find the Executive Orders and Administrative Orders issued by the Governor and the State?

    Last Updated: 05/17/2020
    Executive Orders issued by Governor Murphy can be found here. Administrative Orders issued by the State of New Jersey can be found here.
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  • How is the State of New Jersey preventing the spread of COVID-19 in state correctional facilities and halfway houses? Can I visit?

    Last Updated: 12/29/2020
    Visitation Temporarily Suspended Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Corrections has temporarily suspended visitation until further notice to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Depa...
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  • Are race tracks open and can horse racing resume? What are the restrictions?

    Last Updated: 02/05/2021
    Horse racetracks can reopen for racing as well as for in-person bets, including at their sportsbooks and lounges, so long as they adhere to required social distancing policies and safety guidelines...
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  • Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?

    There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Pre...
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  • Are programs funded by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities open? What support is there for residents of Developmental Centers?

    Last Updated: 02/18/2021
    Program Updates Congregate Day Programs The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has closed all in-person congregate day service facilities until further notice due to increased community s...
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  • Can I donate blood or convalescent plasma in New Jersey?

    Last Updated: 01/26/2021
    Blood Drives Blood drives continue to operate in New Jersey. Donors are needed to keep the supply strong amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthy individuals are encouraged to give blood to restock the ...
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  • Are trade, career, or training schools open? What rules or safety requirements must they follow?

    Last Updated: 10/28/2020
    Private trade schools, career schools, and training schools not overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) are allowed to resume in-person instruction so long as they follow...
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  • Is COVID-19 test data being shared with law enforcement agencies?

    Last Updated: 01/28/2021
    To enable law enforcement officers across New Jersey to better protect themselves and to more effectively use their limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the midst of the COVID...
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  • Can I visit someone in a hospital? What guidelines are in place to protect patients?

    Last Updated: 10/28/2020
    Hospitals have opened their doors to visitors with new safety guidelines in place. Individual hospitals will set visiting hours and visitation duration. Before you visit your loved one, please chec...
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  • Can I order a cocktail from a restaurant or home delivery from my local microbrewery?

    Last Updated: 05/16/2020
    Sales and Deliveries of Alcoholic Beverages and Cocktails Holders of certain licenses and permit holders can sell alcoholic beverages for takeout or delivery. Businesses with plenary retail consump...
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  • How do I report an outbreak or misconduct at a long term care facility or nursing home?

    Last Updated: 05/07/2020
    Long term care facilities in New Jersey, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, are required to report many communicable disease cases, including COVID-19, to their local health depa...
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  • If I'm a State employee, where can I find information about leave time and health benefits?

    Last Updated: 01/07/2021
    NOTE: The COVID-19 Guidelines and FAQs and the Local Government COVID-19 Guidance have been temporarily removed as they are being revised to address changes for consistency with recent developments...
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  • Where can I watch the Governor’s COVID-19 briefings

    Last Updated: 12/21/2020
    The State of New Jersey's briefings and press conferences related to the State's response to the COVID-19 pandemic are livestreamed on Governor Murphy's YouTube channel, Twitter feed, and Facebook ...
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  • Is it safe to go to the grocery store?

    If you're in short supply of food and supplies, and think that going for groceries is an absolute need, you can go. But keep in mind to take appropriate precautions, wear a cloth face covering, use...
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  • How can I volunteer for COVID-19 response efforts? How can I help the State?

    Last Updated: 02/04/2021
    Our first responders and health care workers are saving lives every day -- so can you. Your family, your friends, your neighbors -- their lives are literally in your hands. Here's how you can do yo...
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  • Where can I donate personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gowns, and gloves?

    Last Updated: 09/24/2020
    For anyone who has PPE they wish to donate like N95 respirators, face shields, protective goggles, surgical masks, or other protective equipment, visit covid19.nj.gov/ppedonations.
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  • Will the coronavirus pandemic start over again when human activity returns to normal?

    A recent study from infectious disease experts at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom modeled how things might evolve depending on what measures governments take now. These models predict...
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  • Can community gardens open? What social distancing policies are required?

    Last Updated: 12/07/2020
    Community gardens may reopen so long as they implement reasonable restrictions that reduce physical interaction. In addition, all gatherings in gardens must comply with the rules placed on outdoor ...
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  • How do I comply with mandated health care capacity and PPE inventory reporting required by Executive Orders 109 and 111?

    Last Updated: 02/10/2021
    On March 28, 2020 Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 111, directing designated health care facilities to report on a daily basis to the Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Mana...
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  • Have high school graduation assessment tests been canceled?

    Last Updated: 01/11/2021
    Governor Murphy announced an executive order waiving the graduation assessment test requirement for any current high-school senior who has satisfied all other statutory graduation requirements. Giv...
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  • What inaccurate rumors are circulating about COVID-19? Where can I find accurate information?

    Last Updated: 04/23/2020
    NOTE: The FBI has warned of several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines to illegally obtain sensitive personal information or money. No one will have to pay for the vaccine itself i...
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  • I’m a technology professional. How can I assist the State in addressing the COVID-19 emergency?

    Last Updated: 04/13/2020
    Thank you for your interest in helping the State respond to the unprecedented challenges raised by COVID-19. Technology professionals and firms that would like to support the State's COVID-19 respo...
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  • Has the government changed how it conducts business as a result of COVID-19? Has the fiscal year been extended?

    Last Updated: 10/09/2020
    State Government At the start of the health crisis, the Governor signed legislation allowing for State business and legislative sessions to be conducted at locations other than Trenton, and for leg...
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  • Who should be donating blood now in response to the current blood shortage? What factors should be considered, like blood type and risk?

    Hospitals across the U.S. are currently facing shortages of all blood types and products due to COVID-19-related cancellations of blood drives. The Red Cross has said there is a critical shortage o...
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  • Have there been any changes to educator evaluations or educator certification?

    Last Updated: 01/11/2021
    SGOs Removed from Teacher Evaluations Student Growth Objectives (SGOs) are measurable and specific academic goals for groups of students set by educators in consultation with their supervisors. In ...
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  • Has New Jersey increased weight limits for trucks carrying relief supplies?

    Last Updated: 04/23/2020
    Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 121, allowing an increase in the maximum weight limit on certain interstate highways and toll roads from 80,000 pounds (40 tons) tons to 92,000 pounds (46...
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  • Can graduation ceremonies be held? Where can administrators find certification forms for in-person ceremonies for school districts or universities?

    Last Updated: 12/07/2020
    School districts and colleges/universities are allowed to hold modified in-person graduation ceremonies so long as they adhere to the limits on gatherings and follow required safety protocols. The ...
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  • Can my employer require me to get the COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter my workplace?

    Last Updated: 02/19/2021
    Yes. An employer can require that an employee receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to return to the workplace, unless the employee cannot get the vaccine because of a disability, because their doc...
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  • What are my rights and protections as a worker?

    Last Updated: 11/05/2020
    Job Protections: Your employer cannot fire or punish you if you miss work because you have or are likely to have COVID-19. Learn more about the law and how it protects you at work, and report a vio...
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  • Can I still collect unemployment if it's not safe to go back to work? What if I'm at high-risk or have to care for someone at home?

    Last Updated: 09/11/2020
    If you have been collecting unemployment benefits and your former employer asks you to return to work or you receive another offer, you cannot refuse "suitable work" and still collect benefits in m...
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