Gov. Phil Murphy says New Jersey day care providers have until Friday to certify they can and will only serve the children of workers deemed essential during the COVID-19 emergency or face closure.

The governor said a lack of child care “cannot be a barrier” for essential workers. Murphy's earlier orders have said that grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations, among others, are considered essential. Health care workers are also considered essential, along with law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel.

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Murphy previously issued an order that all companies and businesses deemed “non-essential” must close and have employees working from home. All schools in the state were also closed. Since that order, there were calls from the public to close day cares as well.

Day cares that don't serve essential workers only must close by April 1.