March 31, 2020 – Updated 4:35 pm.

UPDATE: Today’s county information is updated below the State information. Ocean County and Monmouth County report later in the day usually after 4 p.m. (sometimes earlier)

UPDATE THE USA HAS 188,099 as of 3:46 pm. 3/31/2020

The United States of America as of 12:18 pm has 175,067 cases of COVID-19 and 3,415 have died in the USA from the virus. Follow live updates on the Johns Hopkins University Tracker Here

In New Jersey We have Positive 18,696 Deaths 267 as of March 31, 2020

COVID-19 Cases by County

Data is provisional and subsequent to revision.

3,686 Positives Pending Further Information

Bergen County:   

 2,909 Positive Test Result(s)

Essex County:   

 1,900 Positive Test Result(s)

Hudson County:   

 1,606 Positive Test Result(s)

Union County:   

 1,418 Positive Test Result(s)

Passaic County:   

 1,294 Positive Test Result(s)

Middlesex County:   

 1,277 Positive Test Result(s)

Monmouth County:   

 1,140 Positive Test Result(s)

Ocean County:   

 1,022 Positive Test Result(s)

Morris County:   

 841 Positive Test Result(s)

Somerset County:   

 413 Positive Test Result(s)

Mercer County:   

 268 Positive Test Result(s)

Camden County:   

 228 Positive Test Result(s)

Burlington County:   

 202 Positive Test Result(s)

Sussex County:   

 132 Positive Test Result(s)

Gloucester County:   

 114 Positive Test Result(s)

Hunterdon County:   

 97 Positive Test Result(s)

Warren County:   

 76 Positive Test Result(s)

Atlantic County:   

 31 Positive Test Result(s)

Cumberland County:   

 18 Positive Test Result(s)

Cape May County:   

 12 Positive Test Result(s)

Salem County:   

 12 Positive Test Result(s)

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Covid-19 Total Cases (1108) In Ocean County:

Total as of Tuesday, 3/31/2020 at 2:00pm

Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.

Town Name	Number of Cases
Barnegat	35
Barnegat Light	2
Bay Head	2
Beach Haven	3
Beachwood	9
Berkeley	68
Brick	104
Eagleswood	0
Harvey Cedars	0
Island Heights	1
Jackson	100
Lacey	31
Lakehurst	2
Lakewood	438
Lavallette	2
Little Egg Harbor	9
Long Beach Township	3
Manchester	55
Mantoloking	0
Ocean Gate	0
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)	4
Pine Beach	0
Plumsted	4
Point Pleasant Beach	3
Point Pleasant Borough	30
Seaside Heights	6
Seaside Park	2
Ship Bottom	2
South Toms River	13
Surf City	1
Stafford	23
Toms River	156
Tuckerton	0
Total Positive Cases: 1108

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Monmouth County has 1,163 positive cases 
of COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of March 31, there are 1,163 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

The breakdown by municipality is as follows:

• Aberdeen: 35
• Asbury Park: 19
• Atlantic Highlands: 7
• Avon-by-the-Sea: 3
• Belmar: 2
• Bradley Beach: 5
• Brielle: 7
• Colts Neck: 23
• Deal: 6
• Eatontown: 38
• Englishtown: 10
• Fair Haven: 12
• Farmingdale: 6
• Freehold Borough: 9
• Freehold Township: 94
• Hazlet: 45
• Highlands: 5
• Holmdel: 44
• Howell: 84
• Keansburg: 24
• Keyport: 10
• Lake Como: 4
• Little Silver: 15
• Long Branch: 43
• Manalapan: 82
• Manasquan: 14
• Marlboro: 89
• Matawan: 33
• Middletown: 112
• Millstone: 11
• Monmouth Beach: 4
• Neptune City: 7
• Neptune Township: 46
• Ocean: 37
• Oceanport: 13
• Red Bank: 22
• Rumson: 17
• Sea Bright: 2
• Sea Girt: 6
• Shrewsbury Borough: 14
• Shrewsbury Township: 3
• Spring Lake: 5
• Spring Lake Heights: 7
• Tinton Falls: 20
• Union Beach: 1
• Upper Freehold: 10
• Wall: 40
• West Long Branch: 17

The Freeholders also remind residents that Monmouth County’s healthcare workers and first responders and their desperate need of personal protective equipment which has become increasingly scarce due to the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Donations of personal protective equipment items are being accepted at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, in Lincroft, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For additional information, or to arrange the drop-off of personal protective equipment, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. The phone number is staffed every day, including weekends.

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

March 30, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order amending which businesses are permitted to operate and clarifying ways in which some businesses may operate in accordance with Executive Order No. 107. The Administrative Order states the following:

• Individual appointments to view real estate with realtors by individuals or families shall be considered essential retail business. Open houses are still considered impermissible gatherings.
• Car dealers may continue to conduct online sales or remote sales that are consistent with current law. In the event of such a sale, the car may be delivered to the purchaser or the purchaser can pick up the car curbside or in the dealership service lane.
• In accordance with the guidance released by the federal Department of Homeland Security, effective Tuesday, March 31, at 8:00 a.m., firearms retailers are permitted to operate – by appointment only and during limited hours – to conduct business which, under law, must be done in person. The NICS background check system will be up and running to process firearms purchases.
• Golf courses are considered recreational and entertainment businesses that must close to the public and to members associated with private golf clubs.
  

“While we’ve made adjustments to businesses that are permitted to operate, my stay-at-home order remains firmly in effect,” said Governor Murphy. “Unless you absolutely need to get out, or unless your job is critical to our response, I have ordered all New Jerseyans to just stay home.””As we face this unprecedented challenge, businesses must be flexible in how they operate in order to keep the State’s economy running,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “While these clarifications address the need for certain businesses to operate, the safety of our residents will always remain our top priority.”The Order takes effect immediately.A copy of the Administrative Order can be found here.

March 28, 2020

President Trump said in Norfolk, VA today that he is considering having a 2 week quarantine for NY, parts of NJ and parts of CT and details will be revealed soon, perhaps early as later today. We will be posting when we get the order from President Trump.

President Trump’s remarks:

We will stop at nothing to protect the health of New Yorkers and the health of the people of our country in their hour of need.  I also want to remind everyone about the CDC’s latest guidance: If you are from the New York metropolitan area and you travel elsewhere, we need you to
self-quarantine for 14 days to help us contain the spread of the virus.

And I am now considering — we’ll make a decision very quickly, very shortly — a quarantine, because it’s such a hot area, of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  We’ll be announcing that, one way or the other, fairly soon.  This does not apply to people such as truckers from outside the New York area who are making deliveries or simply transiting through.  It won’t affect trade in any way.”

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Current confirmed cases of COVID-19 currently at 115,547 at 2:37 pm update.

Follow the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker

Governor Phil Murphy reported cases have increased in NJ by 2,289 over night bringing the total in New Jersey to 11,124 total confirmed cases, see below:

We have 2,289 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 11,124.
• Atlantic: 17
• Bergen: 1,838
• Burlington: 115
• Camden: 123
• Cumberland: 11
• Cape May: 7
• Essex: 1,086
• Gloucester: 51
• Hudson: 771
• Hunterdon: 61
• Mercer: 168
• Middlesex: 808
• Monmouth: 781
• Morris: 442
• Ocean: 624
• Passaic: 608
• Salem: 3
• Somerset: 258
• Sussex: 81
• Union: 742
• Warren: 51
• Under Investigation: 2,478

As of 1:30 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:
• Positive Tests: 11,124
• Deaths: 140

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

March 28, 2020

A comprehensive bipartisan $2 trillion stimulus package to help restore the U.S. economy devastated by the Coronavirus pandemic, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law by President Trump today.

“Containing the Coronavirus pandemic, developing and deploying reliable therapeutics and creating a safe and effective vaccine must be our highest priority—no matter the cost,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) who returned to Washington to participate in the floor debate and support the bill. Click here to read or watch Smith’s floor statement.

“People—especially those on the front lines in health care and first responders—are heroically meeting the challenge, often at great personal cost. Their tenacity, skill and courage—inspire,” he said. “The public-private partnership in my district, state and in the nation is unprecedented. We must do everything we can to flatten the curve and help our people and communities recover.”

President signs historic bill into lawSmith speaks in favor of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Actf t # eWashington, Mar 27, 2020A comprehensive bipartisan $2 trillion stimulus package to help restore the U.S. economy devastated by the Coronavirus pandemic, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law by President Trump today.“Containing the Coronavirus pandemic, developing and deploying reliable therapeutics and creating a safe and effective vaccine must be our highest priority—no matter the cost,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) who returned to Washington to participate in the floor debate and support the bill. Click here to read or watch Smith’s floor statement.“People—especially those on the front lines in health care and first responders—are heroically meeting the challenge, often at great personal cost. Their tenacity, skill and courage—inspire,” he said. “The public-private partnership in my district, state and in the nation is unprecedented. We must do everything we can to flatten the curve and help our people and communities recover.”Smith noted that his home state of New Jersey has been hard hit by COVID-19.  “As of today,” he said, “6,876 people have tested positive with 81 deaths. Tragically, in my district, four members of one family have died from the virus.”Smith said the new bill, the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), “provides direct financial assistance to taxpayers, $100 billion in grants to hospitals, $150 billion to state and local governments, $350 billion for a new paycheck protection program that provides eight weeks of guaranteed loans to employers who retain their employees, an additional $600 per week for up to four months on top of state unemployment insurance, $25 billion for food assistance and much more.”The CARES Act is Phase III of the federal response. Smith noted that he supported Phase I, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020—which provided $8.3 billion for treatment and prevention measures; and Phase II, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act—which provided paid sick leave, family medical leave, free testing, and expanded unemployment benefits among other provisions to help working Americans. As signed by President Trump, The CARES Act will:Provide direct financial assistance of $1,200 for individuals making under $75,000 per year, with incrementally smaller assistance for those with higher incomes under certain thresholdsAllow for loans—rather than bailouts—to industries including airlines and those critical to national security, while also imposing limits on the pay employees may receive, and prohibiting stock buybacks, for businesses which utilize these plansAllocate $100 billion in grants to hospitals to address coronavirus-related financial damageProvide $150 billion to assist state and local governmentsAdds $600 per week to unemployment benefits, and extends them for an additional four monthsDirect $16 billion to assist in the procurement of medical supplies for the Strategic National StockpileAllocate $11 billion for coronavirus research and treatmentAllow cost recovery for investments in Qualified Improvement Properties (QIP)—a provision I urged House leaders to includeEnsure that self-employed individuals and independent contractors can qualify for unemployment benefitsCreate a “paycheck protection program” for small businesses, which provides eight weeks of federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll. The portion of these loans used to pay workers, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities would be forgiven.   “More remains to be done to reverse the economic hardship caused by this virus,” Smith said. “Still this legislation ensures that the federal government send money and expertise to New Jersey to help mitigate additional job loss, support those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and support our State and local government response teams, hospitals and service industry sectors. Our country will recover, and this is an important part of that effort.” Additional Summaries about the CARES Act Provided by House CommitteesTax, Unemployment and Support for Distressed Industries Summary of Health, Tax, Unemployment, Small Business, and Distressed Industries Provisions Summary of Key Unemployment Insurance (UI) Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Small Business Relief Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) CARES Act Small Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Paycheck Protection Program and Loan Forgiveness Education Programs CARES Act Education and Labor ProvisionsRelief for Job Creators and Consumers Key Financial Services Provisions in the CARES Act House Committee on Energy and Commerce Energy and Commerce Summary of CARES Act Provisions House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Highlights of CARES Act T&I Committee Related Provisions CARES Act – Jobs & Economic Importance of U.S. Infrastructure Network Frequently Asked Questions – T&I Related ProvisionsOverview from the House Appropriations Committee CARES Act – Detailed Funding Summary CARES Act – Appropriations Highlights

March 28, 2020

TRENTON – Acting on a commitment to provide financial relief to New Jersey homeowners, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that financial institutions will provide mortgage forbearance and financial protections for New Jerseyans facing economic hardship as a result COVID-19.“Millions of hardworking New Jerseyans are suffering financial losses through no fault of their own as a result of the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “With this initiative, we can ensure that no one loses their home during this public health crisis. I commend our private sector partners for doing their part to reduce financial uncertainty for New Jersey families.”Building on a similar initiative in California, Governor Murphy secured support from Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, in addition to over 40 other federal and state-chartered banks,  credit unions, and servicers to protect New Jersey homeowners. More financial institutions are expected to sign on in the coming days.  The New Jersey Bankers Association, CrossState Credit Union Association and the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey have endorsed this initiative and are encouraging all their members to adopt these policies.Under Governor Murphy’s proposal, New Jerseyans who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for the following relief upon contacting their financial institution:90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage PaymentsFinancial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19. In addition, those institutions will:

• Provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
• Confirm approval of and terms of forbearance program; and
• Provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief, as practicable, upon continued showing of hardship due to COVID-19.

No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief Financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief. Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions For at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines. Relief from Fees and Charges For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund at least the following for customers who have requested assistance: 

• Mortgage-related late fees; and
• Other fees, including early CD withdrawals (subject to applicable federal regulations).

Please note that financial institutions and their servicers are experiencing high volumes of inquiries and may recommend using online services when available for the quickest service. Loans held by a financial institution may be serviced by another company.  Last week, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 106, which imposed a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes pursuant to an eviction or foreclosure proceeding while the Order is in effect. Tenants cannot be asked to leave their homes for nonpayment of rent during this time.    Governor Murphy also announced that the Department of Community Affairs received an additional $13 million in federal funds as part of its annual renewal for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.  These funds, based on the increased utilization New Jersey achieved in the program last year, are critical to helping current voucher tenants maintain their housing stability during the coming year. For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief, please click here.

March 28, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today detailed two new initiatives that will assist health care organizations with expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor announced a $140 million pre-payment to health care providers to support preparations related to COVID-19. Additionally, Governor Murphy announced that the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority (NJHCFFA) has launched a $6 million emergency loan program to assist New Jersey’s health care organizations during this time. “These new funding sources will help our health care providers meet their needs during this critical time,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud to say that our Administration and state agencies are working around the clock to pitch in to help during this crisis. We must continue to support our frontline workers.” “This funding will help health care facilities most in need of support, such as hospitals and federally qualified health centers, as they respond to COVID-19 illness in our state,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli.  “Health care professionals are on the frontlines and the state is committed to helping them get the resources they need.” The pre-payment, which advances $67.3 million in Charity Care, $60.5 million in Graduate Medical Education, and $14.6 million for University Hospital, will support increasing capacity to meet the anticipated patient growth including workforce demands, supplies, and medications. The Charity Care and Graduate Medical Education funds will be an advance of remaining fiscal year 2020 budget allocations for those programs.  The COVID-19 Aid program, which was approved by NJHCFFA Thursday, is a $6 million loan program to offset some of the unforeseen expenses incurred by this pandemic. Loans will:

Have no application, initial or annual fees;Be at an interest rate of 0%;Be secured solely by federal and State grants and other financial aid received by the recipient health care organizations as a response to COVID-19, as well as grants from other private and public sources related to COVID-19 resilience (together “COVID-19 Aid”) and anything acquired with the proceeds thereof.

Decisions on the loan recipients will be made according to the priority and amounts set by a committee consisting of the New Jersey Commissioner of Health or her designee, the Executive Director of the Authority and the Authority’s Director of Research, Investor Relations and Compliance. Additionally the loan will specify how the requested funds will be used: for instance, the acquisition of any property, or acquisition, construction or renovation of any building, acquisition of any equipment, including ventilators, acquisition of any supplies, medications or personal protective equipment, hiring of any staff, consultants or temporary workers, or reopening formerly closed hospital beds/wings, etc. Principal payments would be required within 30 days of receipt of any COVID-19 Aid by the recipient health care organization in the amount of such COVID-19 Aid received, if any, until the loan is fully repaid.   The NJHCFFA expects to begin receiving requests as early as next week. Health care organizations treating COVID-19 patients may contact the New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority at info@njhcffa.com if they are interested in applying for a loan through the program.

“Stay Home and Stay Safe” Is Not Just Good Advice During COVID-19 Emergency— It’s the Law

March 27, 2020

Updated with correction from AG Office

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today urged the public and business owners to comply with the Governor’s emergency orders— not only to keep themselves and others healthy, but to avoid creating more work and risks for hard-pressed law enforcement officers.  He warned that those who fail to comply will be held accountable, citing numerous cases where charges have been filed for violations of the orders or other offenses related to the coronavirus. “Our police officers are going above and beyond the call of duty during this health crisis.  Unfortunately, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the orders put in place to protect us all— or what is more egregious, people falsely using the coronavirus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Staying home and maintaining social distance is not just good advice to stay healthy, it’s the law.  Make no mistake, we will do what it takes to keep our residents and police officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file criminal charges against those who violate the emergency orders.”    “Once again, New Jersey citizens are facing a crisis with unwavering resolve, fortitude and perseverance, because the vast majority of our residents and businesses are complying with Governor Murphy’s executive order, which must be strictly adhered to in order to prevent community spread of COVID-19,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “As we work collectively to accomplish this goal, it is imperative that businesses and residents follow the protocols set forth in the executive order. Failure to do so will result in a swift response from law enforcement.” Here are some of the recent enforcement actions taken, as well as other cases where individuals were charged by law enforcement with crimes related to COVID-19: 

• On March 12, Lea Piazza, 28, was charged with false public alarm and motor vehicle offenses after falsely claiming to be infected with the coronavirus during a DWI arrest in Hanover Township.

• On March 16, Jennifer Burgess allegedly spit on officers in Dunellen, claiming to have tested positive for COVID-19.  She was charged with throwing bodily fluid at a law enforcement officer and second-degree terroristic threats.

• On March 17, Nicole A. Ayvaz,  23, was arrested in Belleville and charged with false public alarm for allegedly calling emergency dispatchers and claiming she had the coronavirus to try to get Essex County College to close. She did not have the virus.

• On March 20, Shaul Kuperwasser, 43, was charged with maintaining a nuisance for holding a wedding in Lakewood the previous day, March 19, in violation of the emergency order prohibiting large gatherings.

• On March 20, Eliyohu S. Zaks, 49, was charged with maintaining a nuisance for holding a wedding in Lakewood in violation of the emergency order prohibiting large gatherings.

• On March 20, Zachary Hagin, 33, was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, and endangering for allegedly spitting on a police officer in Gloucester Township and claiming to have the coronavirus.

• On March 20, Marina N. Bishara-Rhone, 22, allegedly coughed directly on an officer during a domestic violence incident in River Edge, saying she had the virus and she hoped he was now infected.  She was charged with endangering and throwing bodily fluid at a law enforcement officer.

• On March 21, Jacquon Jones, 37, was charged with disorderly conduct for holding a large party in Penns Grove in violation of the emergency order prohibiting large gatherings.

• On March 21, David Haley, 52, was charged in Middlesex County with throwing bodily fluid at a law enforcement officer and second-degree terroristic threats.  He claimed to be infected with the coronavirus.

• On March 24, Adrienne Morris, 34, was charged in Gloucester Township after she allegedly went to the home of another woman and assaulted her. She was charged with aggravated assault, harassment, and a disorderly persons offense for violating the stay at home order. —Correction by AG Office

• On March 22, in Waterford, Carmen J. Fasanella, 25, was charged after he allegedly went out drinking with a friend and crashed his car. He was charged with DWI, reckless driving, and a disorderly persons offense for violating the stay at home order.–Correction by AG Office

• On March 24, George Falcone, 50, was charged with terroristic threats, obstruction, and harassment for allegedly purposely coughing on an employee at the Wegmans store in Manalapan and refusing to cooperate with a police officer.

• On March 24, David C. Morris, 54, allegedly told New Jersey state troopers in Sussex County that he had the coronavirus in an attempt to avoid arrest after a motor vehicle stop.  He was charged with DWI.

• On March 24 in Lakewood, police charged Meir T. Gruskin, 37, with a disorderly persons offense for holding a wedding at his home in violation of the emergency orders.

• On March 24,  the Jersey City Police Department charged multiple individuals who were loitering as a group outside an apartment building.  Three juveniles were charged with defiant trespass, failure to disperse, and disorderly persons offenses related to the emergency orders.

• On March 25, Karley A. Rosell, 24, of Pitman, was charged in a domestic violence incident with leaving her home and allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at her boyfriend’s residence.  It did not detonate. She was charged with arson and weapons offenses, as well as a disorderly persons offense for violating the stay at home order.

• On March 25 in Lakewood, police charged Abraham Bursztyn, 48, with maintaining a nuisance, in violation of the emergency order prohibiting large gatherings, for holding a gathering of approximately 25 young men at the school where he is headmaster.

• On March 25, Raymond Ricciardi, 51, was arrested in New Providence on domestic violence charges.  He allegedly stated that he was infected with the coronavirus and started to cough at police and medical personnel. He was charged with obstruction and harassment.

• On March 25, in Lakewood, Juan Gomez Sanchez was charged with a disorderly persons offense for purposely coughing at a liquor store and claiming he was infected with the coronavirus.

• On March 26, police in Washington Township, Warren County, charged David Merring, 62, owner of Rack and Roll Billiards Hall, with obstruction of the administration of law for keeping his business open in violation of the emergency order. He was previously warned about opening during the emergency and closed down. He re-opened and had customers inside when police arrived.

• On March 27, Piscataway Police charged four individuals, Yu Han, 20, Xiaonuo Shi, 18, Chenyu Yang, 19, and Roukai Wang, 19, with disorderly persons offenses for violating the emergency orders and criminal mischief for allegedly drag racing and doing donuts in a school parking lot.

• On March 27, in Hazlet, state troopers charged Travis Urban, 30, with obstruction and hindering apprehension or prosecution for allegedly falsely claiming he had the coronavirus to try to avoid charges after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

• On March 26, Lakewood Police charged William Katzenstein, 39, with a disorderly persons offense for holding a wedding in violation of the emergency order.

• On March 27, police charged Pria Milledge, 37, with a disorderly persons offense for holding a party in Bridgeton in violation of the order prohibiting large gatherings.

 If you are seeing a lack of compliance in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS. 

March 27, 2020

PLEASE TAKE SOCIAL DISTANCING SERIOUSLY WE NEED TO FLATTEN THE J-CURVE “THE CURVE”

97,028 Cases of COVID-19 in the USA as of the 2:54 pm update and set to go over 100k later this afternoon as tests come in. Keep up with the latest numbers at the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker Here

4:02 pm tracker update 97,226 cases in the USA

New Jersey:

We have 1,982 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 8,825.
• Atlantic: 14
• Bergen: 1,505
• Burlington: 88
• Camden: 95
• Cumberland: 9
• Cape May: 7
• Essex: 826
• Gloucester: 40
• Hudson: 594
• Hunterdon: 52
• Mercer: 131
• Middlesex: 640
• Monmouth: 634
• Morris: 391
• Ocean: 484
• Passaic: 484
• Salem: 3
• Somerset: 222
• Sussex: 65
• Union: 519
• Warren: 38
• Under Investigation: 1,984

As of 1:30 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:
• Positive Tests: 8,825
• Deaths: 108

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

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Covid-19 Total Cases (557) In Ocean County:

Total as of Friday 3/27/2020 at 2:00pm

Town Name	Number of Cases
Barnegat	12
Barnegat Light	2
Bay Head	1
Beach Haven	0
Beachwood	3
Berkeley	33
Brick	46
Eagleswood	0
Harvey Cedars	0
Island Heights	1
Jackson	57
Lacey	14
Lakehurst	0
Lakewood	236
Lavallette	1
Little Egg Harbor	5
Long Beach Township	2
Manchester	26
Mantoloking	0
Ocean Gate	1
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)	3
Pine Beach	0
Plumsted	3
Point Pleasant Beach	2
Point Pleasant Borough	20
Seaside Heights	1
Seaside Park	1
Ship Bottom	2
South Toms River	5
Surf City	1
Stafford	7
Toms River	69
Tuckerton	0
Total Positive Cases: 557

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Mercer County: Mercer: 131

A letter from County Executive Brian M. Hughes

As the coronavirus response continues full force, I want to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt gratitude to our many citizens who are on the front line of this daily battle.

Our heroic first responders and health care professionals have been working around the clock to keep people safe. Others on the front line, who can’t work from home and are putting themselves at risk to keep our communities functioning, include drug store clerks, supermarket cashiers, people preparing and delivering food, and many more.

State, county and local governments have closed their doors to the public but continue to provide vital services, especially to our most vulnerable populations.

I commend all of you for rising to the occasion day in and day out during this public health emergency, and I applaud your commitment to continuing this effort.

We don’t know how long this crisis will last. We do know that to slow the spread of infection, especially among high-risk groups, and to take the pressure off our health care system, we need to follow the Governor’s directive to stay home if at all possible, and to practice social distancing when we must go out. Those at higher risk – older adults and people with existing health problems – depend on everyone else to stay safe.

We also need to continue taking everyday preventive measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

I thank each of you for the sacrifices you’re making to help slow the spread of COVID-19. If we all work together, we WILL get through this crisis. Brian M. Hughes
Mercer County Executive

The New Jersey Department of Health today announced that there are now 131 positive cases of COVID-19 in Mercer County. Mercer County releases no identifiers other than the number of cases, and does not tally by municipality. Contact tracing, including information gathering, is underway on the new cases and continuing on the remaining ones where needed. We expect that these numbers will continue to grow as more testing sites come online. For data specific to a municipality, please contact the local health office.

Mercer County continues to recommend basic steps for residents. Whether you are ill or not, adhere to the Governor’s Executive Order and stay home. If you must leave your home, practice social distancing. Wash your hands. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

The NJ Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the State to provide information to the Public on COVID-19:
Call: 2-1-1
Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
Text: your  ZIP code to 898-211 for live text assistance

Visit: www.Covid19.nj.gov