The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health
On April 27, 2020, Governor Murphy announced that the State’s “stay-at-home” executive order would remain in effect until further notice. However, the Governor proactively announced his six-principle plan for reopening New Jersey’s economy. The following are the six principles and metrics that will guide New Jersey in its efforts to lift restrictions and restore the State’s economic health:
Principle 1 - Demonstrate Sustained Reductions in New COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalization:
- 14-day trend lines showing appreciable and sustained drop in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and other metrics reflecting deceasing burden of disease;
- Hospitals stepping down from functioning under crisis standards of care.
Principle 2 - Expand Testing Capacity:
- At least double current diagnostic testing capacity;
- Prioritize testing for health care workers, essential personnel, and vulnerable populations;
- Create a flexible testing plan accessible to all residents;
- Expand partnership with institutions of higher education, private-sector labs, and the federal government;
- Ensure that those who test positive are linked to a health care provider.
Principle 3 - Implement Robust Contact Tracing:
- Recruit and deploy an army of personnel who will identify and follow-up with contacts;
- Leverage technological data and innovative solutions to increase efficiency;
- Coordinate the approach of local and state health officials, which will have a coordinated county/regional component.
Principle 4 – Secure Safe Places and Resources for Isolation and Quarantine:
- To the greatest extent possible, provide individuals who do test positive in the future with a safe and free place to isolate and protect others from COVID-19;
- Ensure that quarantined contacts are provided supportive services, if needed.
Principle 5 – Execute a Reasonable Economic Restart:
- Create the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission to advise on the process and recommend responsible and equitable decisions;
- Plan for a methodical and strategic return to work based on level of disease transmission risk and essential classification;
- Continuation of social distancing measures, requirements for face coverings, and work-from-home directions where feasible and appropriate;
- Leverage any available federal funds and programs to support health care, individual, and small business recoveries.
Principle 6 – Ensure New Jersey’s Resilience:
- Learn from the lessons of COVID-19 and prepare for the possibility of a resurgence;
- Ensure hospitals, health care systems, and other health delivery facilities have inventories of personal protective equipment and ventilators;
- Build our own state personal protective equipment and ventilator stockpile;
- Create a playbook for future administrations for the next pandemic.
Laddey, Clark, & Ryan, LLP, remains fully operational during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please rest assured that our attorneys, paralegals, and staff continue to be available to you and to fulfill your evolving legal, business, and personal needs. Throughout this difficult period, you can expect that the team at Laddey, Clark, & Ryan will continue to answer your emails and calls promptly and be completely available to you, exemplifying the client service and responsiveness we have always been committed to providing.
Laddey, Clark, & Ryan, LLP, remains fully operational during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please rest assured that our attorneys, paralegals, and staff continue to be available to you and to fulfill your evolving legal, business, and personal needs. Throughout this difficult period, you can expect that the team at Laddey, Clark, & Ryan will continue to answer your emails and calls promptly and be completely available to you, exemplifying the client service and responsiveness we have always been committed to providing.
