HACKENSACK—An executive order calling for the shut down of all non-essential commerce—a measure the County Executive claimed was necessary to save lives and slow the spread of the novel Coronavirus COVID-19—has been rescinded at the request of Gov. Phil Murphy.
Bergen County Executive James Tedesco read the order at a Monday, March 16 press conference, saying no more than four people—other than family members—should congregate in public and “no worldly employment or business shall be performed or practiced by any person or entity within the County of Bergen until further notice except as expressly permitted…”
Tedesco said the order would be implemented Tuesday, March 17, then later said it would implemented Saturday, March 21, before saying he had rescinded the order.
The viral pandemic may spread to a majority of the population, officials warn, worrying a crush of patients may overwhelm hospitals already dealing with a shortage of intensive care units and ventilators.
Restrictions on civil society are aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, officials have said.
But Tedesco’s order caused confusion and was not coordinated with Gov. Phil Murphy or the state’s Attorney General.
“Since [issuing the order], I have been in discussion with Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration to examine the impact of my proposed Executive Order. As I said, while these may seem like extraordinary measures, these are extraordinary times,” Tedesco said. “Our procedures make every attempt to be consistent with State guidelines, but we must remember that the severity of the situation in Bergen County is greater than any other area in the State.”
At press time, Tedesco said his order would be rescinded at the request of the governor. He’s expected to host a news conference tonight at 5:30 p.m.
“The Murphy Administration has stated that the only closures that could be enforced were those issued by the Governor,” a county spokesperson said. “Executive Order 2020-1B has never been enacted but was delayed to work with the Governor’s Office and to take the opportunity to revisit areas of the Executive Order that the County had received feedback on from the business community and the public.”
Tedesco had attempted to limit “all worldly business and employment”—with major exceptions for health care facilities, grocery stores, take-out and delivery service from restaurants, funeral parlors, financial institutions and more.
Murph provided an update to his COVID-19 response Thursday, March 19.
Tedesco attempted to accelerate restrictions
Admitting his restrictions on civil society had not been approved by the New Jersey Attorney General, Tedesco said he had the moral authority to act.
Tedesco also called on retired medical professionals, and students in nursing college, to aid in the COVID-19 response.
“We are going to need your help in order to make this work,” Tedesco said.
To volunteering, email BCVolunteer@co.bergen.nj.us or call (201) 336-6006.
“Please contact us and tell us if you’re willing to help us. We’re going to need all kinds of help, indoors, outdoors. This is a time where communities … rally together,” Tedesco said.
With Coronavirus testing availability shortages, Tedesco said he hoped a drive-thru testing facility at Bergen Community College in Paramus, the first in New Jersey.
Progress on drive-thru testing was being aided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been activated in all 50 states.
“I remain steadfast in protecting all who visit, work, and live in Bergen County. However, this situation is changing each hour and we are constantly reevaluating the measures put into place to protect the health of our County,” said Tedesco. “I look forward to our continued work with our federal, state, and local partners to protect all of New Jersey’s residents during this public health emergency.”
