The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities. It also prohibits gatherings such as parties, celebrations or other social events, and directs the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, with certain exceptions.

“I stand alongside Governor Murphy in stressing the need for people to stay home, and to practice social distancing if they must go out,” Mr. Hughes said. “It’s clear that keeping people at home is an effective way to reduce potential exposure and flatten the curve of the virus.”

Mr. Hughes also reiterated the need to continue taking everyday preventive measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

“The goal is to slow the spread of infection as much as possible, especially among high-risk groups, and to take the pressure off our health care system,” he said.

“I thank everyone for their cooperation and the sacrifices they’re making. If we all work together, we will get through this crisis.”

Details of the governor’s executive order can be found at COVID19.nj.gov.

To ensure the lowest chance of obtaining the virus, and spreading the virus to others:
• Practice social distancing
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after exiting a densely populated area, and after coughing and sneezing
• Disinfect personal items regularly

Symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath – can appear between 2-14 days after exposure, though some people may not have any symptoms while still being contagious. It’s also important to consider whether you’ve been in contact with an infected person, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you believe you’ve been infected and you are not in immediate danger, you should contact your doctor by phone. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911, and notify the dispatch personnel that you may have COVID-19.

The New Jersey Department of Health on March 25 announced 736 new positive cases, bringing the total of positive cases in the state to 4,402, with 62 deaths. The most positive cases are in Bergen County, which has 819; Mercer County has 82. Visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard  for more information.

The CDC on March 25 announced a total of 54,453 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, and a total of 737 deaths, with 54 locations (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands) reporting cases. This includes both confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 reported to CDC or tested at CDC since Jan. 21, 2020. State and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For more information about COVID-19 visit covid19.nj.gov or cdc.gov.