COVID-19 UPDATE: Clarification of Exec Order 122

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E-news updates from your association

COVID-19 Update: Clarification on Executive Order 122

As previously reported, effective Friday, April 10th at 8pm, all non-essential construction across the state will "cease indefinitely."

Thanks to our allied association, the New Jersey Green Industry Council, further clarification on what this means to our industry has been provided.

Regarding Construction :

The Governor’s office has further limited certain construction projects that cannot allow for proper social distancing guidelines to be followed. More specifically, non-essential construction across the state will cease effective Friday, April 10 ^th at 8pm. Exceptions include construction of affordable housing, hospitals and schools, transportation and utility construction, certain emergencies, and individual home projects, providing that social distancing guidelines can be met.

Essential construction includes projects already underway involving individual single-family homes, or an individual apartment unit where an individual already resides, with a crew of five or fewer individuals . This includes additions to single-family homes such as solar panels. New projects, however, are considered non-essential and therefore prohibited from commencing under the Executive Order. Click HERE to view a complete list of "essential construction."

Our interpretation of non-essential construction would include new hardscape projects including patios, pools and other hardscape projects. It is our understanding that this order will remain in effect for a minimum of 30 days.

Regarding Landscape Maintenance:

Landscaping services may continue to operate as long as social distancing and the use of PPE continues. It is extremely important to do so as to not lead to disruption in the industry. There have been no changes made to the work that has been permitted in the past that is NOT construction. There is currently no limit to the size of the crew as long as it adheres to the social distancing and PPE guidelines.

Please revisit the updated & recommended social distancing & PPE guidelines by clicking HERE. Please print this out and share it with your team. It comes directly from the Executive Order summary.

Should you need further clarification on this Executive Order, please reply to this email or call me directly at 908-310-9722. We are here to help you understand this new order and what it means to you.

Regarding "Essential Retailers" including Garden Centers :

As reported last night, there are additional PPE guidelines that must be followed. See below for a summary, but also view the entire list of requirements by clicking HERE .

The Executive Order also provided "New Guidelines for Essential Retail Stores." These guidelines would be applicable to garden retailers that serve the public:

All essential retail must indefinitely limit the number of customers in their stores to 50 percent of their approved capacity.

Customers and employees must wear face coverings.

Stores must provide special shopping hours for high-risk individuals, erect physical barriers between customers and cashiers and baggers where practicable, and regularly sanitize areas used by their employees.

AmericanHort Webinar: What does the SBA Paycheck Protection Program Application Process look like?

Friday, April 10, 1 PM, EDT

AmericanHort, in partnership with KCoe Isom, the nation’s leading agricultural consulting and accounting firm, and Ball Seed, North America's leading wholesale horticultural distributor, is offering an updated webinar and support program to AmericanHort members and green industry participants to assist in navigating the application requirements of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program.

The SBA PPP offered as part of the $2T Government Stimulus package is an important financial relief platform for small businesses. Initial reports indicate loan applications and bank participation have been challenging for some.

Join AmericanHort for a webinar to learn about recent program guidance and updates, how to successfully apply for this loan package, and how you might navigate the application process.

Click HERE to register - all are welcome!

Additional Resources

Visit NJNLA's updated COVID-19 Resource Page by clicking HERE .

Stay well. Stay informed. We're here to help.

Feel free to continue to reach out with your questions. We're trying our best to keep you as informed as possible! To contact us, simply reply to this email or call my cell at 908-310-9722.

Lori Jenssen, Executive Director

New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association

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New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association