NJ Auto Industry Alert: COVID-19 Update
March 23, 2020
GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE CLOSURE OF ALL NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL BUSINESS AND A STAY AT HOME ORDER
On March 21, 2020, Governor Murphy issued Executive Orders No.107 and No.108 mandating the closure of all non-essential retail businesses throughout the State in an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Automotive dealerships are permitted to be open to the public but only for automotive repairs, service and vehicle rentals. If a used dealer is also a buy here pay here location they can operate their lending business.
The Governor’s orders direct that for those businesses that are open that as many employees as possible should telecommute. For those businesses that are permitted to operate, there is to be essential staffing only and as much social distancing as possible.
Below are links to Executive Orders 107 and 108, the Governor’s press release, and a FAQ about how the orders affect business.
• Executive Order 107
• Executive Order 108
• Press Release: Governor Murphy Announces Statewide Stay at Home Order, Closure of All Non-Essential Retail Businesses
• FAQ: How do Executive Orders No. 107 and 108 on closures and social distancing affect my business?
NEW LAW PROHIBITS EMPLOYERS FROM TERMINATING OR REFUSING TO REINSTATE AN EMPLOYEE WHO MISSES WORK DUE TO AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
On March 20, 2020, Governor Murphy signed into law legislation prohibiting an employer, during the ongoing Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency, from terminating or refusing to reinstate an employee who has or is likely to have, an infectious disease which requires the employee to miss time at work. Under the new law, an employee who requests or takes time off from work, based on the recommendation of a medical professional, may not be terminated or refused reinstatement if the employee is likely to infect others in the workplace.
Stay safe!
Click here to view a downloadable .pdf of the NJ Auto Industry Alert.
This NJ Auto Industry Alert is intended to keep readers current on developments in the law. It is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact author Tony Bush at (609) 989‐5056 or abush@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.