Livingston Businesses Brace For Impact As Coronavirus Hits NJ

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Businesses across New Jersey – including Livingston – are bracing for impact as the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 spreads across the state.

On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all movie theaters, performing arts centers, gyms and casinos in New Jersey must immediately close in an attempt to "flatten the curve of new cases" and avoid overwhelming health care systems. It's not clear when these businesses will be allowed to reopen. READ MORE: Restaurants, Theaters In NJ To Shut Due To Coronavirus

The order also requires all "non-essential" retail, recreational and entertainment-based businesses to cease daily operations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Restaurants can only offer delivery and/or takeout, both during daytime hours and after 8 p.m.

"Essential" businesses which are necessary for the public's health, safety, and welfare – like grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices and gas stations – can remain open past 8 p.m.

The decision comes as many businesses throughout New Jersey report being hit hard by the coronavirus’ arrival in the Garden State.

According to a survey conducted by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association from March 13 to 15, most respondents said they will need to cut costs due to coronavirus-related hardships, including a reduction of staff, hours and benefits.

“The concerns of our members are extremely clear during this unprecedented time,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said. “They are highly concerned about the overall stability of their businesses and the welfare of their employees.”

Are you a business owner or employee in Livingston? Let us know how the coronavirus has been affecting YOUR life (send emails to eric.kiefer@patch.com).

CORONAVIRUS: BUSINESS IN LIVINGSTON

On Monday, ShopRite of Livingston reported that its staff is "working tirelessly to replenish shelves as quickly as possible."

The supermarket has placed limits on the following items to "help everyone get what they need":

• Paper Products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues)
• Household disinfectants
• Cold & Flu medicines
• Soaps and hand sanitizers
• First aid supplies
• Bottled water
• Chicken, Turkey and Ground Beef products
• Eggs

Last week, the owners of the Livingston Mall reported that they're "closely monitoring" the latest developments regarding the coronavirus and have rolled out an enhanced and comprehensive cleaning program

The mall added: "We are also advising that anyone who is sick stay at home and we’ve posted signage at our property to remind our shoppers to follow the safety precautions recommended by the CDC."

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Regular hand sanitizing for which stations have been provided throughout the property

Master Pizza, which has a location in Livingston, said it's taking precautions to keep customers and employees safe. The business is offering "contact-less delivery" with food brought to customers' doors.

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