Day: March 28, 2020

Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County

CDC Issues Domestic Travel Advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut & Statement From Governor Murphy

March 28, 2020

Statement from Governor Murphy on CDC Domestic Travel Advisory

“Throughout the day, I’ve been in constant communication with the White House, including discussions with the President and Vice President, who briefed me on tonight’s CDC travel advisory affecting the tri-state region.“To be clear, this non-binding advisory guidance does not change the rules that have been established and in place for over a week now under Executive Order 107. If you have been working as part of our frontline response effort, from health care workers to supermarket workers, we still need you on the job.“I encourage all New Jerseyans to continue practicing aggressive social distancing and take personal responsibility to help us get through this public health emergency.“

The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately.  This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply.  These employees of critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforceexternal icon) have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedule.  The Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html

Should I travel within the US?

CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in many states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease. Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase chances of getting COVID-19, if there are other travelers with coronavirus infection. There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.

Things to consider before travel:

  • Is COVID-19 spreading in the area where you’re going?
    If COVID-19 is spreading at your destination, but not where you live, you may be more likely to get infected if you travel there than if you stay home. If you have questions about your destination, you should check your destination’s local health department website for more information.
  • Will you or your travel companion(s) be in close contact with others during your trip?
    Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like coronavirus may increase in crowded settings, particularly closed-in settings with little air circulation. This may include settings such as conferences, public events (like concerts and sporting events), religious gatherings, public spaces (like movie theatres and shopping malls), and public transportation (like buses, metro, trains).
  • Are you or your travel companion(s) more likely to get severe illness if you get COVID-19?
    People at higher risk for severe disease are older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes). CDC recommends that travelers at higher risk for COVID-19 complications avoid all cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
  • Do you have a plan for taking time off from work or school, in case you are told to stay home for 14 days for self-monitoring or if you get sick with COVID-19?
    If you have close contact with someone with COVID-19 during travel, you may be asked to stay home to self-monitor and avoid contact with others for up to 14 days after travel. If you become sick with COVID-19, you may be unable to go to work or school until you’re considered noninfectious. You will be asked to avoid contact with others (including being in public places) during this period of infectiousness.
  • Do you live with someone who is older or has a serious, chronic medical condition?
    If you get sick with COVID-19 upon your return from travel, your household contacts may be at risk of infection. Household contacts who are older adults or persons of any age with severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Is COVID-19 spreading where I live when I return from travel?
    Consider the risk of passing COVID-19 to others during travel, particularly if you will be in close contact with people who are older adults or have severe chronic health condition These people are at higher risk of getting very sick. If your symptoms are mild or you don’t have a fever, you may not realize you are infectious.

Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans. If you do decide to travel, be sure to take steps to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases during travel. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 travel information, visit CDC COVID-19 Travel page.

Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Trenton

USNS Comfort Underway And Will Arrive In NYC Monday March 30, 2020

March 28, 2020

Complied from the reports of the White House Press Office and United States Navy Public Affairs Office.

NORFOLK, VA– The USNS Comfort is currently underway after a send off from President Donald J. Trump. The ship is currently underway and is scheduled to arrive in New York City on Monday March 30, 2020. The ship will be used to treat non-COVID-19 patients to free up more room in the regular hospital system for COVID-19 patients.

Selected remarks from President Donald J. Trump prior USNS Comfort getting underway at Naval Station Norfolk.

Today, I’m deeply honored to be at Naval Station Norfolk — the largest naval base anywhere in the world, and the home to the most powerful fleet that has ever sailed the seas.  I just passed some of the most beautiful and, frankly, the most highly lethal ships that I have ever seen in my life, and there are a lot of them.  And they’re in better shape now than they have been for many, many decades, with what we’re doing.

We’re grateful to be joined by Commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces, Admiral Christopher Grady, and Commander of the U.S. Second Fleet, Vice Admiral Woody Lewis.  Thank you both for being here.  We appreciate it very much.

As we gather today, our country is at war with an invisible enemy.  We are marshalling the full power of the American nation — economic, scientific, medical, and military — to vanquish the virus.  And we will do that.

Today, I’m here to express my profound gratitude to the dedicated service members who will soon be on the frontlines of this fight.  In a few moments, the crew of the Navy Hospital Ship USNS Comfort — which is really something — will embark for New York City, where they will join the ranks of tens of thousands of amazing doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who are battling to save American lives.

This great ship behind me is a 70,000-ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York — a place I know very well, a place I love.  We’re here for you, we’re fighting for you, and we are with you all the way, and we always will be.  You have the unwavering support of the entire nation, the entire government, and the entire American people.

After being rushed out of maintenance with historic speed — it was supposed to be here for four weeks, and they did it in four days — the Comfort will arrive at Pier 90 in Manhattan on Monday, three weeks ahead of schedule.  Its crew will begin treating patients on Tuesday.  It will be met in New York Harbor by Governor Cuomo, who I just spoke with; he’s very excited — and they need the help.

The skilled sailors and civilian mariners aboard this ship will provide a critical surge capacity for the New York metropolitan area.  Their mission will be to care for New Yorkers who do not have the virus but who require urgent care.  In other words, they’ll be using this — people will be coming out of hospitals who don’t have the virus, and they’ll be on the ship where they have great operating rooms and great facilities.  And the places inbound, on land, will be where people that have the virus will be.  So the people with the virus will not be on ship.  The ship will be used for people having operations and other things other than that.

By serving these emergency patients away from the hospitals, beds will be opened up all over the city for those who are infected.  This ship can handle a lot of people, so it will open capacity all over the city.  And it will be ready to address any life-threatening medical emergency.  It is stocked.  It’s stocked to the brim with equipment and medicines and everything you can think of.  Importantly, by treating non-infected patients remotely on the ship, it will help to halt, very strongly, the transmission of the virus.

The Comfort’s sister ship on the West Coast, the USNS Mercy, arrived ahead of schedule, substantially, in port yesterday.  Governor Gavin Newsom was very thankful for it.  They’re working very hard in California.  It’s performing a similar mission for the people of Los Angeles and the people of California.

As the USNS Comfort gets underway, it is fully loaded with 12 operating rooms — and they are fully equipped — 1,000 hospital beds, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, digital radiology, a CAT scan, two oxygen-producing plants, and a helicopter deck, which will be used very actively.

It also bears our military’s greatest weapon of all: a crew of nearly 1,200 outstanding members of the United States Navy.  And I thank them very much.  Among the sailors departing today are some of the finest doctors, nurses, technicians, orderlies, and medical staff anywhere in the world.  These are true professionals.  And no one performs better under pressure when lives are on the line.  These are incredible people. –President Donald J. Trump

200328-N-PW494-0006 NORFOLK (March 28, 2020) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departs Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 28, 2020. Comfort is deploying in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)
  • 200328-N-PW494-0001 NORFOLK (March 28, 2020) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departs Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 28, 2020. Comfort is deploying in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)
  • 200328-N-PW494-0173 NORFOLK (March 28, 2020) People gather to watch the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) depart Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 28, 2020. Comfort is deploying in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)
  • 200328-N-PW494-0093 NORFOLK (March 28, 2020) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departs Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 28, 2020. Comfort is deploying in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)
  • 200328-N-PW494-0139 NORFOLK (March 28, 2020) People gather to watch the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) depart Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 28, 2020. Comfort is deploying in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts and will serve as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore-based hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense’s missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua D. Sheppard/Released)
East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Pennington, Princeton, Robbinsville, Trenton, West Windsor

Mercer County COVID-19 Testing Site Opens Tuesday By Appointment Only

March 28, 2020

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)– Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes today announced that the County, in collaboration with health care partners, will open an appointment-only, drive-up testing site for COVID-19 on Tuesday, March 31, at Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrence

The testing center is by appointment only for symptomatic Mercer County residents age 18 or older who have a prescription from their primary health care provider (PCP). If you are symptomatic for COVID-19 and want to be tested, contact your PCP.

The testing center, which initially will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is a collaborative effort between the County of Mercer, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Capital Health System, St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton and the Trenton Health Team.

“Testing for COVID-19 is necessary to identify and isolate people with infections,” said Mr. Hughes. “When it comes to setting up a testing site, we face the same challenges as do other jurisdictions, such as securing testing kits and the personal protective equipment for staff. I thank the County’s Office of Emergency Management, our health care partners, Quaker Bridge Mall management and the leadership at Lawrence Township for clearing the hurdles necessary to get this site online.”

Mercer County has contracted with Bio-Reference Laboratories, which will provide testing for individuals who are symptomatic and have been scheduled through their PCP.

To be eligible for testing, an individual must be examined by a PCP. The PCP will determine the need for the test based on symptoms. No one should be tested without being symptomatic. If the PCP deems a test is necessary, they will fax a prescription to the Mercer County call center with the patient’s phone number. Staff will then call the patient, take registration information and schedule an appointment, providing testing site instructions.

For the health, safety and security of staff at the site, patients will not be permitted to leave their vehicles. Walk-ups are not permitted. If you believe you may have symptoms of COVID-19, the State of New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub provides a self-assessment tool that will help you determine whether you should be tested. Visit self.covid19.nj.gov.

Photo of the testing center getting set up at Quakerbridge Mall as seen today March 28, 2020 Photo by MidJersey.news corespondent Greg Griffis

Ewing, Mercer County

UPDATE: Ewing Police Break Up “Corona Party” Violating Executive Order 107

March 28, 2020

Update from earlier story:

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On March 27, 2020, at 11:44 pm. Ewing Police Dispatched received and anonymous call about a party. Units responded to the 300 block of Concord Avenue where they found a large gathering inside of an apartment.

Officers dispersed over forty attendees that were attending a gathering for what the renter of the apartment called a “Corona Party”. Officers immediately advised the renter, Wade E. Jackson, 47, of Ewing that he was in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order and Jackson ended the party.

Jackson was issued summonses for Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function (2C:29-1a) and a Violation of Emergency and Temporary Acts (App.A.:9-49A).

As a reminder, Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107, paragraph 5 states, “Gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled, unless otherwise authorized by any part of this Order. The State Director of Emergency Management, who is Superintendent of the State Police, Shall have the discretion to make clarifications and issue orders related to this provision.”

From the Mercer County Prosecutor:

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri and Ewing Police Chief John P. Stemler III reported today that a 54-year-old Ewing Township man was issued two disorderly persons citations for hosting a party in his apartment Friday evening.

Ewing police were called to an apartment on Concord Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday morning, March 28, on a noise violation.  Upon entry, they observed 47 people having a party that included a DJ with speakers, alcohol and the smell of marijuana.   Police broke up the party and released everyone except for the tenant, who was issued disorderly persons citations for obstruction and violating an executive order.  Police noted that the apartment was 550 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom.  Almost all of the people at the party were squeezed together inside, with a handful outside of the residence.

Prosecutor Onofri praised the response of the officers and the decision to disperse the partygoers rather than charge everyone in attendance.  “The goal was to break up the party and send everyone home.  Based on safety and resources, police made the right call to only issue citations to the host,” he said.

But the prosecutor also gave a stern reminder to the public to heed the Governor’s executive orders.  “These are mandates, not suggestions.  Mercer County and the entire state of New Jersey will not tolerate such irresponsible, criminal behavior, and violators will be prosecuted.  Not only are these actions illegal, but in a time where such reckless conduct could endanger family, loved ones, first responders and the community at large, they are also unethical.”

Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

President Trump Considers Quarantine for NY, Parts of NJ and CT As 115,547 Cases in the USA, NJ Now At 11,124

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.”

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

Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

President signs historic bill into law – Smith speaks in favor of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

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
Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Announces Mortgage Payment Relief, Financial Protections for New Jerseyans Facing Economic Hardship as a Result of COVID-19

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.

Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Announces New Funding Sources to Assist Health Care Providers with COVID-19-Related Expenses

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.