Summary of Recent Gubernatorial Executive Orders

April 9, 2020

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

For more information please check our COVID-19 Information Center.

2020 Primary Election

As per Governor Murphy's Executive Order #120 on April 8,2020, the 2020 Primary Election has been postponed until Tuesday, July 7th in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This includes primaries for President, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the 25th District of the New Jersey Legislature, and county and municipal elections, as well as county committee elections.

Closing All State and County Parks to Further Social Distancing

On April 7, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced Executive Order 118, closing all state parks and forests and county parks to further social distancing measures in order to help “flatten the curve,” stating: “We have seen far too many instances in our parks where people are gathering and socializing in groups and by closing these areas, we are further limiting public interactions to only the most essential purposes.” Municipalities still have the authority to keep municipal parks closed under Executive Order No. 108.

Additional Mitigation Requirements on Essential Retail Businesses and Essential Industries and Ceasing of All Non-Essential Construction Projects

Executive Order #122, signed by Governor Murphy on April 8, 2020, called for ceasing all non-essential construction projects and imposing additional mitigation requirements on essential retail businesses and essential industries to limit the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. This will take effect on Friday, April 10, at 8:00 p.m.

Student Assessment Requirements Waived for 2019-2020 School Year

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 117 on April 7, 2020, which waives 2019-2020 statutory school year assessment requirements for eighth grade students and twelfth grade students who have not yet met the graduation assessment requirement due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This Executive Order waives the graduation assessment requirement for twelfth grade students who have not yet met the assessment requirement and planned to submit a portfolio appeal. These students no longer have to submit such an appeal in order to graduate. The order also waives the statutory requirement that a statewide assessment be administered to all eighth-grade students to assess progress toward mastery of graduation proficiency standards.

Extension of the Public Health Emergency in NJ

With Executive Order #119, signed on April 7, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy extended the Public Health Emergency in our state.

Additional Need to Know Items

Income Tax Filing Deadline

The tax filing deadline for the State of New Jersey has been extended to July 15th.

Real ID Transition Deadline

New Jersey has extended the deadline for the transition to Real ID by one year, to Oct. 1, 2021.

NJ Driver's License Extensions

To reduce the number of individuals visiting the MVC, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is granting automatic two-month extensions to any residents who need to renew their driver’s licenses, vehicle registration or vehicle inspection by May 31. Residents are encourage, to the extent possible, to conduct transactions online, including license renewals, vehicle registrations and change of address. Visit https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/

Income Tax Filing Deadline

The federal income tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15th according to an announcement by the IRS on March 18th. Relief for Taxpayers Affected by Ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Mask Recommendations on the State of NJ COVID-19 Information Hub

Additionally, the Information Hub posts the following on the question of whether to wear a mask when leaving your home.

“The first and most important measure you should take protect yourself and others from COVID-19 remains to stay at home and to follow social distancing guidelines.

If you must leave your home:

The CDC has recommended the use of cloth face coverings in community settings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. There is a growing body of evidence that asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals can spread the virus.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks. They are not medical grade N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for the sick. If you have these products in your home, we ask that you donate them to the COVID-19 effort through this website.

Cloth face coverings can be made at home from common materials like scarves or bandanas. A simple cloth face covering should cover the nose and mouth.

Cloth face covering is not recommended for children under 2 years, people who are incapacitated, people who have difficulty breathing, or any other person who can not easily remove their own mask.

Wearing a simple cloth face covering is not a replacement for social distancing and does not exempt anyone from social distancing requirements.

How to wear a face mask
Cloth face coverings should---

fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
be secured with ties or ear loops
include multiple layers of fabric
allow for breathing without restriction
be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

Please visit this CDC page for more information on how to appropriately wear a face mask, how to use homemade cloth coverings, and for instructions on making a face mask at home.

Updated/Reviewed: 4/5/20