Your Business May Be Exempt from Government-Enforced Business Closure Orders

Delaware Governor John Carney has joined Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s lead and has issued a stay-at-home order, mandating that all non-essential businesses must close as the coronavirus continues to spread.

The Order will go into effect at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. As of now, the stay-at-home order will remain in effect until May 15th, or until the public health threat is eliminated.

As in the case of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the list of businesses affected is continually changing. And even though your company may be included in the list of “non-essential businesses” you might qualify for an exemption from the Orders. If you have questions regarding your business, contact one of our Task Force Members (below) today so we can provide you with the most timely, and accurate information. 

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy held a press conference this afternoon where he announced the “Stay at Home” Executive Order, forcing the closure of all non-essential businesses throughout the state until further notice. Additionally, the 'Stay at Home' order mandates that New Jersey residents are to stay at home until further notice (with the exception of obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities), and also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the Order.

The order mandates that businesses have employees work from home, and if that is not possible, businesses should make best efforts to reduce staff on site. The order does not prohibit the provision of health care or medical services, access to essential services for low-income residents, the operations of the media, law enforcement agencies, or the operations of the federal government.

Governor Wolf has updated his business closure order with a warning that enforcement actions against businesses that do not close physical locations will begin at 8 AM this Monday, March 23rd. Governor Wolf said his order would be enforced by state troopers, local officials, the state Health and Agriculture departments and the Liquor Control Board. 

Businesses that fail to comply with the shutdown order risk citations, fines or license suspensions, and could even "forfeit their ability to receive any applicable disaster relief and/or may be subject to other appropriate administrative action." The Governor's office added that criminal prosecution is also a possibility, with violators subject to fines or imprisonment.