Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The League is here to help local governments managing public health crises. 

The Governor declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency on March 9, 2020, and has since issued a number of Executive Orders to flatten the curve of coronavirus, including a stay-at-home order, the closure of schools and non-essential businesses, the shifting of elections, and the promotion of healthcare support throughout the state. He extended the Public Health emergency for 30 days on May 5.

A mutli-stage approach to executive a responsible and strategic economic restart was announced on May 18. New Jersey ended maximum restrictions and moved to Stage One of The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health, May 18, 2020. Gov. Murphy announced that New Jersey will enter Stage Two on June 15, 2020.

Stage Two will include outdoor dining for restaurants and indoor, non-essential retail as of June 15. Beginning on June 22, barber shops and salons will be able to reopen. In the period to follow, New Jersey will work toward the gradual opening of personal care, gyms, and health clubs, at reduced capacities as the stage progresses. All of these activities will be allowed pursuant to strict health and safety guidelines that will be issued in the coming days. 

These actions and other recovery efforts are assisted by EO 131 Creating a commission charged with advising the administration for the timing and preparation for New Jersey’s recovery for the COVID-19 shutdown. A Restart and Recovery Advisory Council was also created to advise state government on economic matters impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Murphy also issued Executive Order 130 allowing municipalities to extend the grace period for property tax payments due on May 1 to June 1.

Here we share the latest concerns and provide references for information and assistance.

Local Response

Local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the COVID-19 outbreak and the severity of illness, will have to make decisions on the implementation of interventions. 

Communities can take measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, coronavirus. Community-based interventions including school dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing, and creating employee plans to work remotely are helping to flatten the COVID-19 curve. 

The following are tools for local officials.

Reference Tools

New Jersey Resources

Federal Resources

Non-Governmental Resources

Guidance for Local Officials:

PPE Wholesale Supplier Registry. Information about the vendors and products from the State assisting private businesses and organizations in New Jersey access potential suppliers for PPE and other COVID-related goods and services.  

NLC has published a blog post titled “Hazard Pay Decisions Challenge City Leaders”

NLC Survey Results on how residents are feeling about local, state, and federal response to COVID-19.

Response Resources for Local Leaders from the National League of Cities

Essential Workers Memorandum on identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response from Christopher C. Krebs, Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Homeland Security.

Polling Locations Recommended Precautions for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Election Polling Locations, including Cleaning and Disinfection

Sustainable Jersey 2020 Certification cycle changes

EMS & 911 Interim Guidance for EMS Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points for COVID-19 in the United States

Risk Assessment Assessing & Managing Risk Based on Different Exposures to COVID-19

State Quarantine & Isolation Statutes from National Conference of State Legislatures 

OSHA & COVID-19 OSHA issues pertaining to coronavirus from Genova Burns

Small Business Administration Guidance & Loan Resources

Community Transportation Association of America COVID-19 Resource Center

Many of the same precautions taken to avoid the flu can be taken to help avoid the spread of COVID-19. One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of any illness, including COVID-19 is proper handwashing. Please see the CDC’s website for the most effective handwashing techniques and how to promote them to your community. VIDEO: What You Need to Know About Handwashing

Archive Articles

Preparing Local Government Workplaces  from the University of North Carolina School of Government

Gatherings & Community Events Interim Guidance: Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)