Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 4/22/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Coronavirus Update 4-22-2020

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 179 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 13,356 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 95,865 positive cases.

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.

Virtual Borough Council Meeting:

The Borough of Oakland is holding a Virtual Council Meeting on Wednesday April 22, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. See below on how to access the meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting:

Dial by your location

  • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
  • +1 253 215 8782 US
  • +1 301 715 8592 US

Meeting ID: 861 5376 9168

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kmLINrBZR

New Federal Help for Small Businesses:

A new $483 billion federal coronavirus relief measure appears to be on the fast-track to approval. The measure, which is expected to be signed into law this week, includes $310 billion to refund the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $75 billion to support hospitals, and $25 billion to help states increase testing.

Payment Relief for Student Loan Borrowers:

New Jersey residents with commercially-owned Federal Family Education Program Loans or privately held student loans who are struggling to make their payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for expanded relief.

Behavioral Healthcare for Children:

The Department of Children and Families offers a continuum of behavioral healthcare for youth up to age 21. The DCF’s Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC) provides services that include mental health and substance use treatment as well as programs for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CSOC is a leader in the nation for its Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, which offers almost immediate face to face crisis support and de-escalation management for families with children experiencing a behavioral health episode. This is available 24/7/365 by calling 1-877-652-7624.

Free Flights for Healthcare Volunteers:

As part of the state’s efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor announced that United Airlines and Delta Airlines, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, are offering free round-trip flights to health care workers coming to New Jersey to help with the state’s COVID-19 response.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Benefits & Health Insurance:

We know many Oakland residents have been laid off or furloughed and there is frustration and confusion about unemployment benefits, eligibility, and the application process. We hope this information is helpful but urge you to check the state and federal websites for more details.

Am I eligible?

  • If you lost your job or were furloughed because of coronavirus, or if the company you work for is temporarily or permanently closed because of it, you qualify for weekly unemployment payments from the state where you work.

What is the CARES Act?

  • The CARES Act is a rescue package that allows self-employed, sole proprietors, freelancers and gig workers to qualify for benefits. The payment amount is based on what you earned and aims to replace about half of your previous income.

Is there other financial aid?

  • The $2.2 trillion CARES Act will also provide one-time $1,200 payments to adults making as much as $75,000, and $2,400 payment to married couples making less than $150,000 combined. Parents will also receive $500 for each dependent child. Single people making $75,000 but less than $99,000 will receive a lesser amount.

Is it based on your tax return?

  • If the IRS doesn’t have your 2019 return, it will use your 2018 return to calculate your relief payment.  

What about my health insurance?

  • If you were furloughed, you will probably still get your health insurance coverage. You should check with your employer for details.

How do I find out about jobs?

The NJ Labor Department website has information about filing for unemployment benefits and a Frequently Asked Questions section to help you through the process. This will take time because of the extremely high numbers of applicants. Please go to www.nj.gov/labor and here is a list of questions and answers for workers dealing with unemployment. Also, please visit http://myunemployment.nj.gov.

You should also check a guide to filing a PUA claim as an independent contractor, self-employed worker, or gig worker. It contains information about documents and information that you will need to provide to qualify. The PUA application is currently not available but DOL is working around the clock to make the new PUA benefits system available, but until implementation is complete, you should start the process of qualifying for PUA today.

DOL also released a guide to filing a PUA claim with information about documents and information that you will need to provide to qualify. The PUA application is currently not available but DOL is working around the clock to make the new PUA benefits system available, but until implementation is complete, you should start the process of qualifying for PUA today.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Save Small Business Fund:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Save Small Business Fund is a grant making initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States. 

It is an effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as possible.

To qualify for this grant, you must:

  • Employ between 3 and 20 people
  • Be located in an economically vulnerable community
  • Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic

To apply:

A short application is available on this page https://savesmallbusiness.com/ starting on April 20, 2020, at 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET. All you will need to apply is your business’s W-9 form.

Submit your photo’s to us:

On an upcoming episode of the new Oakland TV program, “This Week in Oakland”, the TV Committee wants to see your photos of how you and your family are showing support for our first responders, healthcare heroes, and our essential workers during this time. Send us a photo of your in-window rainbows, chalked up driveways, supportive lawn signs, lit candles in the window, etc. to occ@oakland-nj.org along with the name of your family. Your photo and family name just may be featured in a slideshow on a future episode!

Important Resources:

  • The latest data on coronavirus infections in New Jersey are available on the New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard. The dashboard has been updated to provide more information on scope of the virus and hospitalizations, including the number of patients hospitalized, discharged, in critical care, in intensive care, and on ventilators, along with data on statewide ventilator capacity, numbers of positive/negative tests, and more.
  • New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub includes valuable resources and information for families, workers, and employers who have questions or needs arising from the current crisis.
  • Testing Sites: There are currently 57 COVID-19 testing sites across the state, including State-sponsored and private facilities. To locate a testing location, specifics on how to get a test, and the hours of operation, click here.
  • Information for businesses impacted by COVID-19.

NJ New Dates!