On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Biden Administration from enforcing a vaccine-or-testing mandate for businesses with at least 100 employees. However, the court is allowing the Administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most healthcare workers at facilities receiving federal money to be vaccinated.

On January 11, Governor Murphy reinstated a Public Health Emergency, effective immediately. Executive Order No. 280 declares a Public Health Emergency and restates the existing State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey.

In September, President Biden announced a sweeping and vague federal vaccine mandate for employers with 100 or more employees ordering the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue regulations on requirements and enforcement. In November, OSHA issued their emergency temporary standard (ETS) for employers, which was quickly halted by several lawsuits brought by various states.

On November 5, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published in the Federal Register its emergency temporary standard (ETS) that will require private sector employers with 100 or more workers to ensure that employees are vaccinated against Covid-19. If employers do not want to dismiss employees who are not vaccinated, they have the option to allow those unvaccinated employees to submit a weekly negative COVID test and follow masking requirements when working indoors

On November 4, President Biden announced the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is issuing a COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to require employers with 100 or more employees require vaccination by January 4th, 2022 and require unvaccinated employees to produce a negative test on at least a weekly basis. Companies that fail to comply with the rule may be subject to fines.

On September 10, President Biden announced a new six-point plan to continue to combat COVID-19. As part of this plan, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is developing a rule that will require all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require any workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work.

On August 6, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order (EO) 251, which will mandate masking in the indoor premises of all public, private, and parochial preschool, elementary, and secondary school buildings, with limited exceptions. The EO is effective on Monday, August 9, 2021.

On August 2, Governor Phil Murphy announced that all workers in certain state and private health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be subject to COVID-19 testing at minimum one to two times per week.

On July 21, Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents wear masks in indoor settings when there is increased risk. This follows the updated Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

On July 21, Governor Murphy signed S-3982/A-5904 (Addiego/Greenstein/Johnson/ Mazzeo/Zwicker) which provides additional aid to small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic. The bill provides $135 million to small businesses to be administered by the Economic Development Authority as part of its Phase IV Emergency Grant Program and NJ Community Stage Relief Grant Program.

On June 4, Governor Murphy signed A-5820 (Coughlin/Chiaravalloti/Sweeney) along with Executive Order No. 244 (2021), which ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that had been in place since March 9, 2020.

On June 22, Governor Phil Murphy signed a package of bills which provides $235 million in additional aid to small businesses that continue to suffer from the economic effects of the pandemic. The bills allow New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to fulfill all eligible applications submitted during Phase IV of the EDA’s Small Business Emergency Grant Program.

On June 4, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that allows for the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that has been in place since March 9, 2020 while also allowing the Administration to retain the tools necessary to manage the ongoing threat posed by the pandemic.

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.

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.

On May 14,Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 240, which extends that Public Health Emergency for another 30-day period, ending in mid-June. However, Governor Murphy announced he is working with Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Coughlin on legislation that will end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in place since March 2020, while also ensuring that the Administration retains necessary tools to manage the ongoing threat to public health, as well as recovery and vaccination efforts.

On May 3, Governor Murphy announced he is taking a number of reopening steps.

On May 3, Governor Murphy announced the creation of Operation Jersey Summer, a coordinated campaign to reach out to residents with information & resources necessary that will help them make the decision to be vaccinated.

On April 26, Governor Murphy announced that he will be easing restrictions on outdoor gathering limits and indoor catered events.

On April 5, Governor Phil Murphy announced that all New Jerseyans age 16 and up will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on April 19.

On March 29, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 234, which will increase outdoor gathering limits and increase capacity for seated events at large venues. The Order also clarifies indoor capacity limits for banquet halls and similar venues.

On March 26,Governor Murphy expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include individuals ages 55-64, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, higher education educators and staff, and communications and utility infrastructure workers among others.

On March 10, Governor Murphy announced he is signing an Executive Order allowing restaurants and certain businesses to increase indoor capacity to 50 percent effective at 6 a.m. March 19.

On March 10, the US House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. The Senate passed the bill on Saturday and it now goes to President Biden for his signature, and he has indicated he will sign it. The bill includes, among other things, direct payments, small business assistance, and State and Local Government aid. Below is an overview of what is included in the legislation.

On March 4, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 600 other organizations nationwide in urging Congress to extend the application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

On March 1, Governor Murphy announced that starting March 15, teachers and childcare providers, among others, will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and on March 29, essential workers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

On February 5, the CCSNJ was proud to join Governor Murphy virtually for the signing of S3340/A5246, which expands opportunities for restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to provide outdoor dining and permits certain sales at seasonal farm market

On January 28, the Senate passed S- 3093 (Gopal/Sweeney), which establishes a county-based mitigation plan to allow businesses to operate during a pandemic.

On January 21, CCSNJ Manager of Government Affairs Hilary Chebra testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of S- 3093 (Gopal/Sweeney).

On January 11, 2021, the Senate and Assembly passed S-3340/A-5246, which expands opportunities for restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to provide outdoor dining and permits certain sales at seasonal farm markets in response to COVID-19 public h

On January 4, 2021, Governor Murphy vetoed A-4525/S-3128 (Freiman, Mazzeo, Verrelli, Houghtaling/Pou, Sarlo, Cruz-Perez) which would have expanded opportunities for restaurants, bars, distilleries and breweries to provide outdoor dining and permits certai

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill Monday night that provides $600 stimulus payments to individuals, adds $300 to extended weekly unemployment benefits, and provides more than $300 bill..

On December 7, Majority Leader Lou Greenwald introduced the Mainstreet Relief Bill Package.

On November 16, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced a wide range of new restrictions restrictions covering, among others, restaurants, retail, offices, gatherings, gyms, and schools.

On November 16, Governor Murphy announced he will sign an Executive Order imposing additional COVID-19 restrictions.

On November 12, Governor Murphy released Executive Order 195, which allows municipalities and counties the option, should they so choose, to enact an 8 p.m. curfew for nonessential business operations, such as “Main Street” small retailers, personal care

On November 12, Governor Murphy announced municipalities and counties will be granted the discretion to impose curfews for non-essential businesses as early as 8pm. Municipal or county actions, such as restrictions on essential businesses, full business c

On November 9, CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna testified before the Assembly Appropriations Committee in support of A- 4910 (Burzichelli).

On November 9, Governor Murphy announced new restrictions on bars, restaurants and indoor interstate sports to help curb the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

On October 28,Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 192, which creates a number of onerous new health and safety mandates on employers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, September 1, gyms and fitness centers may reopen under new guidelines including social distancing, masks and other safety protocols.

On August 31, Governor Murphy announced restaurants statewide will be able to resume indoor dining beginning this Friday, September 4th, at 25% capacity. The guidelines will include social distancing between tables and masks required for anyone not eating

Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey gyms are permitted to reopen, operating under new guidelines, at 25 percent capacity. The new rules that gyms must comply with will be released on September 1 and are expected to include safety guidelines tha

On August 20, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) testified before the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee on the impact of the pandemic on the economies of the State's regions and the consideration of a regional reopening

On August 13, Senator Troy Singleton of the 7th legislative district renewed his call for a regionalized reopening strategy for all of New Jersey. The Senator's statement follows the NJ Business Coalition's...

On August 12, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that the “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” which authorized issuance of State bonds totaling up to $9.9 billion is constitutional.

On August 11, the NJ Business Coalition, which the CCSNJ is a participant of, submitted to Governor Murphy the Recovery and Reinvention Framework 2.0. This comprehensive update to the original framework issued in early May strongly encourages a regional r

On Tuesday, July 14, Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver presided over the first meeting of the Atlantic City Restart and Recovery Working Group.

On July 8, Governor Murphy announced he will be signing an Executive Order requiring masks to be worn outside in public when social distancing isn’t possible.

Governor Murphy announced the reopening of indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, previously scheduled for July 2, has been postponed indefinitely. In his remarks, the Governor stated that this decision is primarily based on spikes in other states across t

On June 26, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 157, which contains requirements for indoor dining, which can resume on July 2.

On June 24, Governor Murphy announced that on July 2 museums, aquariums and libraries may reopen at 25 percent limited capacity. The Governor also announced that indoor recreation facilities may reopen – including indoor bowling alleys, batting cages, sho

On June 23, Governor Murphy announced that on July 2 amusement and water parks, including boardwalk rides, may reopen with 50 percent limited capacity.

On June 22, Governor Murphy announced that on July 2 casinos will reopen operating at 25 percent capacity and indoor dining may resume, also limited to 25 percent capacity.

Governor Murphy previously signed Executive Order 154, which permits additional businesses to reopen today, June 22, including...

Today, on June 15, Stage Two of the state’s reopening plan begins. The reopening plan, as established by Governor Murphy, is welcome news to many amid a myriad of complaints that the Administration is taking too long to ease restrictions as COVID-19 healt

Please see the following statement issued by the New Jersey Business Coalition, which the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is proud to be a part of, on the slow and at times, confusing timelines and guidelines for business reopening in New

On June 11, Governor Murphy unveiled the "One Jersey Pledge,” which lays out a series of safety protocols that businesses should agree to when reopening to demonstrate they have taken steps to keep employees, customers and their premises safe.

On June 9, Governor Murphy announced he will be signing an Executive Order lifting the stay-at-home order effective immediately.

On June 5, President Donald Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (PPPFA). This measure gives business owners more time and flexibility to use loan money and still have it forgiven as part of the Paycheck Protection Program

On June 1, Governor Phil Murphy announced the state is entering "Stage 2" of the reopening plan he laid out last month. The Governor stated he will be allowing outdoor dining, hair salons, gyms and nonessential retail stores to reopen, but with staggered

On May 29, Governor Phil Murphy announced he will be signing an Executive Order outlining when childcare services, organized sports and youth day camps can resume:

On May 26, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) testified before the Senate Fiscal Recovery Strategists Committee on the significant challenges small businesses are facing as the state enters the third full month of business shutdowns. The

Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald released the following Opinion editorial featured in New Jersey Globe which urges for a regional approach to reopening New Jersey’s economy, specifically noting the health data provided in the CCSNJ’s “South Jer

On May 21, Governor Murphy announced the Administration will be sending in an email to every business and non-profit organization in the state a short survey to inform the Administration's efforts on next steps for reopening the economy.

On May 18, Governor Murphy announced the three stage approach the Administration will take to allow businesses and activities to reopen.

On May 18, Governor Murphy will sign an Executive Order to allow some additional outdoor recreational areas and businesses to restart their operations. This Executive Order will be effective May 22. Also included is an increased number of individuals who

Today, on June 15, Stage Two of the state’s reopening plan begins. The reopening plan, as established by Governor Murphy, is welcome news to many amid a myriad of complaints that the Administration is taking too long to ease restrictions as COVID-19 healt

On May 14, Governor Murphy announced the Jersey Shore will be open effective on May 22nd. Opening the Shore was among the suggestions made in CCSNJ’s Economic Reopening and Recovery Plan for South Jersey.

On May 8, Governor Phil Murphy unveiled the Restart and Recovery Advisory Council, a New Jersey specific Advisory Council comprised of industry leaders to advise the administration on be immediate questions surrounding the safe restart

On May 4, The NJ Business Coalition submitted to the Governor and Legislature "The New Jersey Recovery and Reinvention Framework."

On May 7, The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development and Senate Budget and Appropriations will meet via teleconference. The agenda's for the committees are as follows:

On April 29, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 133, which allows golf courses and county parks to reopen. It also directs all state parks to open.

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 131, creating the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission, a commission charged with advising the administration on the timing and preparation for New Jersey’s recovery from the COVID-19 shutdown.

On April 27, Governor Phil Murphy announced his plan to reopen New Jersey's economy.

Governor Phil Murphy announced extensive measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which mandated the closure of all physical retail businesses deemed to be nonessential.

On April 17, Senate President Steve Sweeney announced Budget Chair Senator Paul Sarlo and Senate Republican Budget Officer Senator Steve Oroho as the Senate's bipartisan fiscal strategists.

On April 14, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a new package of bills passed by the legislature yesterday to address the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On April 14th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 127, extending various deadlines associated with rulemaking for state agencies until 90 days following the end of the public health emergency.

On April 11th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 125, requiring specific policies on restaurants that have remained open for takeout orders.

On April 13, Governor Murphy with Governor Andrew Cuomo, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Tom Wolf, Governor John Carney and Governor Gina Raimondo announced New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island will be...

On April 13th, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 126 which prohibits Internet and phone services from being shut off until 30 days after the public health emergency.

On April 13, the New Jersey Senate and Assembly is slated to take up a package of bills to help provide relief to businesses during the COVID19 crisis.

On April 9, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 123, extending grace periods.

On April 8, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 122, 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

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is proud to participate in the “New Jersey Business Coalition,” a group of more than 40 major business and nonprofit associations representing employers

On March 30, Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced an Administrative Order amending which businesses are permitted to operate and clarifying the ways in which some businesses may operate

Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a package of emergency assistance programs that will drive $75M of public and private funding to help small businesses and non-profits

Please see the links for several helpful resource guides that businesses and nonprofits can use to understand the CARES Act.

On March 27, President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion aid package in responses to the COVID-19 crisis.