The federal district court exercised its discretion under the Declaratory Judgment Act, declining jurisdiction over a case presenting claims arising from COVID-19. Marc Daniel Hospitality, LLC v. AmGuard Ins. Co., 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 191956 (D. N.J. Oct 16, 2020).

Plaintiff operated an upscale sit-down restaurant and whiskey bar offering a full menu. In March 2020, state and local orders limited the scope and hours of operations of all restaurants in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent orders mandated that New Jersey residents remain at home except under certain exceptions. Plaintiff had to temporarily close its restaurant.