New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday that gun shops are now considered essential businesses and can remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor’s decision, announced during his daily briefing, is a reversal from his earlier position on gun retailers.

Murphy said gun retailers and a few other types of businesses will be added to the list of those considered essential and allowed to remain open under his March 21 executive order, which required all nonessential businesses to close until further notice. The change came after the federal Department of Homeland Security, in an advisory Saturday night, listed gun dealers to be “critical infrastructure.“

At least three gun rights organizations have filed lawsuits in recent days to force the state of New Jersey to allow gun stores to open. Several Republican lawmakers called on the governor to allow it as well.

“In accordance with the guidance released over the weekend by the federal Department of Homeland Security , we will allow firearms sellers to operate,” Murphy said during his briefing.

Gun sales will be done by appointment only, Murphy said, and “during limited hours.”

Murphy, who supports stricter gun control legislation, made it clear that he was reluctant to make the decision....