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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 4/2/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Posted on: April 2, 2020 - 5:39pm
COVID-19 Update 4/2/2020

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 42 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Bergen County Health Department is no longer providing towns with patient details such as gender and age so we are not able to provide that information to the community.

If anyone has questions about COVID-19, you can call the 24-hour New Jersey Hotline at (800) 222-1222. You can also visit the State of NJ Coronavirus Website Here. 

Updates will be provided as they become available.

COVID-19 Scam Alert:

Please be aware as we are experiencing a high volume of COVID-19 related fraud schemes throughout the country. Specifically, many victims have been hoaxed while trying to redeem their stimulus relief payout. It is extremely important that you protect your personal identifying information. The following is guidance that we have received from the U.S. Secret Service:

  • Congress has recently passed a large COVID-19 relief and stimulus package. As with other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters are exploiting the relief and stimulus to victimize the public. The U.S. Secret Service is observing a rise in stimulus relief fraud over the past several days and expect the fraud attempts to continue throughout the pandemic.
  • Criminal actors are using a variety of means to contact potential victims. In one instance, the criminal actors are using spoofed email addresses posing as U.S. Treasury officials requesting the victim provide personal identifying information in order to receive their share of the stimulus.
  • In addition to email, criminal actors are contacting potential victims via SMS/text, Robo calls, and other messaging platforms. Through texts, criminal actors are sending links that direct individuals to a website, which then prompts the potential victim to enter personal information and other sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, email addresses, and passwords.
  • The U.S. Secret Service stresses that individuals seeking information about the stimulus/relief program to contact the specific government agency via its website for guidance. Individuals should follow protocols published by the government websites. During this time, it is stressed that the public maintain an increased vigilance when providing any personal and other protected information.
  • The U.S. Secret Service is working with domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, along with the private sector, to disrupt and dismantle COVID-19 related fraud schemes.
  • We are urging our residents to stay vigilant and to contact the Oakland Police Department if you believe you have been a victim of fraud and/or identity theft.

Here are some useful links pertaining to Fraud:

Assistance for Affected Workers:

Businesses around New Jersey are looking to hire employees.

NJDOL is receiving an unprecedented volume of new claims due to the Covid-19 virus. NJDOL is working hard to serve all our customers during this unprecedented public health emergency. As legislation is enacted and implemented, the scope of the programs and their offerings may change. The sites below will be updated with the latest information so we encourage all to stay informed by continuing the check the sites provided.

  • nj.gov/labor has the latest and most reliable information including: What programs are available for employers and employees? Who qualifies for these programs?
  • Unemployment Insurance related question can be found by visiting https://myunemployment.nj.gov/
  • Earned Sick Leave or Temporary Disability related questions are at https://myleavebenefits.nj.gov/
  • The State’s portal for the Covid-19 response is https://covid19.nj.gov/
  • nj.gov/labor is the place to go to find answers to Frequently Asked Questions and information about the Coronavirus and DOL programs.

Customers should fine online and not by the phone, and the best time to file is off-peak hours (evening and early morning).  All One-Stop locations statewide are currently closed due to the virus. Be sure you apply for the right program, as a mistake could set your application back weeks, and delay the much-needed income supplement. UI Benefits are not available for those who continue to be paid their full salary by their employer.

Help for Small Businesses:


The NJEDA will launch the application for its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program tomorrow — Friday, April 3, 2020 at 9:00 am. A link to the grant program application will be posted on the State’s COVID-19 Business Information Hub. NJEDA has released a PDF detailing the program and application process. Use the NJ COVID-19 Business Support Eligibility Wizard to see if you qualify. The U.S. SBA also has federal disaster loans available.

Emergency Child Care Centers:


To further assist families utilizing emergency day care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State is launching an Emergency Child Care Assistance Program (ECCAP) to help support childcare costs when a parent or guardian is an essential employee, regardless of income. Visit here for more information.

Adding Healthcare Workers:


Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 112 yesterday, authorizing the Division of Consumer Affairs to temporarily reactivate the licenses of recently retired health care professionals and grant temporary licenses to foreign doctors. The executive order also temporarily permits certain health care professionals to perform acts outside of their ordinary scope of practice and grants broad civil immunity to health care professionals and facilities providing services in support of New Jersey’s COVID-19 response efforts.

COVID-19