New Jersey Halts Construction Except for Schools, Hospitals, and Other Projects

On Wednesday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the indefinite halt to non-essential construction, effective April 10 at 8 p.m. The new executive order tightens restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Every decision we make based on data, science and facts suggests that we need to continue to stay vigilant; if anything, more vigilant,” Murphy said at the news briefing.

Murphy included exemptions for construction projects that include schools, hospitals, affordable housing, transportation, utility work, emergency repairs, and individual housing sites that can continue under strict social distancing guidelines.

You can find a list of exemptions to the executive order here. The one that pertains to educational facilities states: “Projects involving pre-K-12 schools, including but not limited to projects in Schools Development Authority districts, and projects involving higher education facilities.”

During the announcement, the governor reported New Jersey has at least 47,437 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 1,504 deaths from the virus.

In addition to the new restrictions on construction, Murphy placed new restrictions on shopping and moved the state’s primary elections from June 2 to July 7.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Stanford Online Reveals New Immersive Learning Studio

    Stanford Online recently marked its 30th anniversary with the announcement of a new immersive learning studio, according to a university news release. The studio takes advantage of AI-powered and immersive learning technologies to continue delivering personalized and faculty-led education.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Tomball ISD Opens New Tomball West High School

    Tomball Independent School District in Tomball, Texas, recently celebrated the official opening of Tomball West High School, the district's third comprehensive high school, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a district news release.