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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 4/13/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Posted on: April 13, 2020 - 3:26pm
Coronavirus Update 4/13/2020

Yard Waste Collection:

Due to staffing issues caused by the Coronavirus, our hauler has advised us that there will be delays in picking up yard waste throughout the week. If your yard waste is out at the curb, you may leave it there, and it will be picked up during the week when the hauler arrives.

NJ Labor Department:

Just a reminder, for the fastest, most efficient service the Labor Department recommends that you file online at myunemployment.nj.gov. Also recommended is that applicants read the department’s FAQs before filing a claim, to help ensure the application is filed correctly, which speeds processing time.

The department is also backdating claims to ensure that no one loses a week of benefits, even if they can’t get through right away. More employees are being brought online to help triage the volume of claims. 

Workers eligible for special unemployment compensation known as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance are urged to begin the process. Freelancers, independent contractors and gig workers should apply for unemployment now. Their standard unemployment claim will likely be denied, but being ineligible for regular unemployment is a federal prerequisite to being eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. These workers should also gather two years of income records, which will be used to calculate the amount of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance they are entitled to receive.

Resident’s already collecting unemployment will begin to see their $600 supplemental unemployment benefit arrive April 14 (for the week of March 30th).

NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan:

In response to the economic challenges being faced by New Jersey small businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program. The $10 million program will make direct low-cost financing available to allow New Jersey small businesses and non-profits to cover operating expenses and ensure continuity of operations during the outbreak.

You may now access a copy of the loan application to help you prepare your submission. Completed applications will be considered on a first come, first serve rolling basis. To see whether you might qualify for this program, use the NJ COVID-19 Business Support Eligibility Wizard.

The NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program opens TODAY,  April 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. A sample PDF of the application is on NJ's Covid19 Business Information Hub. Download it and get started. Be sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

Executive Order 125 – NJ Transit:

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 125, imposing additional mitigation requirements on NJ TRANSIT and all private carriers to limit the spread of COVID-19. The order also outlines specific policies on restaurants that have remained open for takeout orders. 

NJ TRANSIT must adopt the following policies:

  • NJ TRANSIT workers may limit occupancy by passengers at 50% of the stated maximum vehicle capacity on all trains, buses and light rail lines in accordance with any guidelines instituted by NJ TRANSIT operational divisions;
  • Require infection control practices, such as coughing and sneezing etiquette, and proper tissue usage and disposal;
  • Arrange for contactless pay options across all modes of transportation wherever feasible. Such policies shall, wherever possible, consider populations that do not have access to internet service;
  • Arrange for back door entry on buses wherever feasible, and take seats out of service near the bus operator to allow for proper social distancing from the bus operator wherever feasible;
  • Require frequent sanitization of high-touch areas in stations, like restrooms, waiting areas, credit card machines, and keypads;
  • Place conspicuous signage at stations and throughout train cars, buses and light rail vehicles alerting workers and customers to the required six feet of physical distance;
  • Require customers to wear cloth face coverings while on trains, buses and light rail vehicles except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age, and require workers to wear gloves when in contact with customers. If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons, then NJ TRANSIT workers may decline entry to the individual, and NJ TRANSIT operational divisions will institute guidelines to operators on this issue.  Where an customer declines to wear a face covering due to a medical condition that inhibits such usage, neither NJ TRANSIT nor any of its workers shall require the individual to produce medical documentation verifying the stated condition. 

More information here

Important Resources:

 

Slow the Spread - CDC