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

Please Note: The list of businesses affected by Executive Orders is constantly changing. If you have questions regarding your business, contact us today so we can provide you with the most timely, and accurate information. 

March 23, 8:37 AM 
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. 


March 21, 2020 - 3:29 PM
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.

Similar to Pennsylvania’s business closures (noted below), the status of the Order and the list of businesses affected is continually changing. 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. 

March 21, 2020 - 12:11 PM 
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.


March 20, 2020 - 1:42 PM 
The Governor of Pennsylvania ordered the closure of Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses effective at 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Enforcement Actions for Non-Compliance will begin after midnight tonight, March 20, 2020. Penalties for a failure to close may include a loss of state grants or loans, revocation or suspension of business licenses, fines, citations, and even imprisonment.
 
The fact is, you might qualify for an exemption from the Governor’s Order because the list of Life Sustaining Businesses is much longer than you probably expect, and is not very clear. There are a number of exemptions in all of the categories, including, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Food, Transportation, Healthcare, Information Technology and Professional Services. If you think your business might fall into one of these categories, or if you have any questions, contact one of our COVID-19 Task Force Members immediately for an analysis and recommendation.
 
Also, businesses in every state are encountering workforce issues. Our attorneys can answer all of your labor and employment questions regarding workplace safety, PTO, layoffs and terminations. Remember, new Federal rules governing leave from work impact ALL businesses and go into effect on April 2, 2020. You need to be prepared for these changes.

Reger Rizzo & Darnall's COVID-19 Task Force

We are working with clients to field inquiries and provide advice and guidance in a wide range of areas and industries during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please be sure to check back regularly for updated information. If you have an immediate need, please contact your attorney directly, or email us at info@regerlaw.com, and one of our dedicated attorneys will get back to you shortly.