On May 26, Governor Phil Murphy announced that he signed a new measure, Executive Order No. 243 that provides additional guidance for employers in office settings. To read Executive Order No. 243, click here.
Earlier this week on May 24, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 242, which lifted many COVID-19 restrictions as cases continue to decline in New Jersey. Although welcome news, the language in Executive Order No. 242 oddly exempted business settings that are not open to the public, thus keeping office buildings under the original social distancing and mask wearing requirements instituted at the start of the pandemic. Today’s action attempts to clarify these provisions.
According to Executive Order No. 243, beginning June 4 employers may allow employees who can verify they are vaccinated to forego masking and social distancing within an office space. However, if an employer is unable to determine an employee’s vaccination status or an employee is not fully vaccinated, employers must continue to require those employees to wear masks and practice social distancing in indoor spaces. It also states that employers are permitted to allow customers, visitors, and other authorized individuals to enter the workplace without requiring use of a mask or adhering to social distancing, regardless of their vaccination status.
Additionally, the new Executive Order has language that specifically rescinds the requirement to accommodate remote working arrangements and to reduce on-site staff to the minimal number necessary, which was outlined in the initial stay at home order, Executive Order 107.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christina Renna, President & CEO at crenna@chambersnj.com.
