Today, the Aberdeen Mayor & Council received Governor Murphy's Executive Order No. 107 imposing a "Stay-At-Home" restriction throughout the State of New Jersey.
The following restrictions now apply in Aberdeen Township:
1. Township offices remain closed to the public (with staff working) until further notice. Resident services will continue to operate by phone or online. Information and advisories will continue to be provided through Nixle, Facebook, CodeRed, and aberdeennj.qscend.com.
2. All public recreational fields, school grounds, tennis and basketball courts, and playgrounds within the Township of Aberdeen are closed, and all organized sports activities within the Township are postponed until further notice.
3. All public meetings of non-essential municipal boards and committees are suspended.
4. The Governor's “Stay-At-Home” Order begins at 9:00PM on March 21, 2020, and all residents are to stay home or at their place of residence unless they are leaving for the following reasons:
a. Obtaining goods or services from essential retail businesses;
b. Obtaining takeout or food beverages from restaurants;
c. Seeking medical attention, essential services, or assistance from law enforcement;
d. Visiting family or close friends, caretakers, or romantic partners;
e. Reporting to or performing their job;
f. Walking, running, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
g. Leaving for an educational, religious, or political reason;
h. Leaving because of a reasonable fear for health or safety; or
i. Leaving at the direction of law enforcement or other government agency.
Individuals who must travel must practice social distancing when possible and should use public transportation only if they have no other feasible choice.
5. In accordance with Executive Order No. 107 issued by the Governor of the State of New Jersey, gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled, unless otherwise authorized by the Order (i.e. the activities mentioned above). Through a separate Administrative Order, the Colonel of NJ State Police will make clear that gatherings of fewer than 10 people are presumed to comply with the Order, unless clear evidence indicates otherwise.
6. Effective at 9:00PM on March 21, 2020, all non-essential retail businesses, which were previously limited to between 5:00AM and 8:00PM, must now close entirely (online delivery can continue). The list of essential retail businesses that can stay open is limited to the following:
a. Grocery and food stores, including retailers like Walmart/Target that sell food;
b. Pharmacies and medical supply stores;
c. Gas stations and convenience stores;
d. Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
e. Hardware and home improvement stores;
f. Banks and other financial institutions;
g. Laundromats/dry-cleaning services;
h. Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years old;
i. Pet stores;
j. Liquor stores;
k. Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
l. Printing and office supply shops; and
m. Mail and delivery stores.
7. All schools remain closed until further notice.
8. All businesses or non-profits must accommodate their workforce, wherever practicable, for telework or work-from-home arrangements. If a business or non-profit has employees that must be on site, it shall reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure critical operations can continue. Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site include: law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, information technology maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.
9. All restaurants and bars shall continue to provide take-out and curbside delivery in lieu of in-restaurant dining.
Please continue to stay safe and follow governmental orders during the COVID-19 crisis.