Gov. Phil Murphy says that starting next week nonessential businesses can reopen for curbside pickup and nonessential construction projects can resume statewide.

Murphy said Wednesday that businesses, which have been shuttered since March because of the COVID-19 outbreak, can open for people to pick up goods starting at 6 a.m. Monday under a new executive order.

"This is a step...in a positive direction for the retailer," said Murphy. "I think it’s a responsible one.”

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Murphy said the state’s coronavirus trends are headed in the right direction, but the state isn’t in the clear yet.

“If folks are frustrated, I don’t blame them,” the governor said.

Legislators like Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick have called for public hearings on reopening the state. Some Democrats, including Senate President Steve Sweeney, have urged the governor to move more quickly to reopen the state’s economy.

“This is an ‘all hands on deck’ moment...we know we get there together and that includes across the aisle,” Murphy said, while also admitting that he bears the weight of making ultimate decisions for the state.

“I’m a human being. This is an incredible chapter in this state’s history and in this nation’s history,” Murphy said, “It occasionally gets to you."

The governor also said to expect some guidance on the July 7 primary election, elective surgeries and beach reopenings by the end of the week.

“We’ve got to get through this. Save as many lives as we can, get this state on its feet again,” Murphy said.

The state says that 21,000 people have signed up to be COVID-19 contract tracers. Anyone interested in applying can do so at the state’s COVID-19 web portal.