Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 5/26/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Coronavirus Update 5-26-2020

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 228 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 17,913 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 155,764 positive cases.

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 Wednesday May 27, 2020:

There will be a Virtual Borough Council Meeting Wednesday May 27, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. on ZOOM. If you are a member of the public and wish to comment or provide public input, please email AssistAdmin@Oakland-NJ.org to receive the ZOOM meeting link, otherwise the meeting will be broadcast live on Oakland TV Channel 77 and FiOS 45, and on the Borough’s YouTube Channel.

Governor Murphy Announces In-Person Outdoor Graduations Permitted Starting July 6:

Governor Murphy announced that beginning on July 6, 2020, schools will have the opportunity to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies that will comply with social distancing guidelines – ensuring the health and safety of those in attendance. DOE and OSHE guidance, which will be issued in full on Wednesday, will include the following requirements for commencement ceremonies:

  • Must take place on or after July 6, 2020;
  • Must take place outdoors or be drive-in/drive-through (no indoor ceremonies will be allowed);
  • Must adhere to the relevant capacity limitation in place at the time of the ceremony (this may require districts to hold multiple ceremonies held over a period of time to ensure capacity restrictions are not exceeded);
  • Districts and institutions must determine the minimum number of staff and faculty necessary to facilitate commencement ceremonies and adjust attendance requirements accordingly;
  • Caps, gowns, diplomas, and other materials must be mailed to individual student homes, sent electronically where possible, or otherwise distributed in a manner that complies with social distancing guidelines;
  • All activities must be coordinated in consultation with municipal officials, such as the local Office of Emergency Management, local law enforcement, first responders, and local health officials.

Additionally, DOE guidance will stipulate that commencements must be held only for graduation from middle school or high school, and not for other ceremonies that mark promotion from one grade to the next. Districts and institutions of higher education can continue to opt for virtual or drive-through/drive-in ceremonies held in accordance with Executive Order 142. Only virtual ceremonies can be held prior to July 6. 

Update on Professional Sports in New Jersey:

Governor Murphy announced that professional sports teams in New Jersey may return to training and even competition – if their leagues so choose to move in that direction. The State of New Jersey has been in constant discussions with teams about necessary protocols to protect health

Take the State of NJ Business Survey:

As your businesses and organizations continue planning to ensure the safety of your employees, customers and clients, and visitors, the State of New Jersey would like to know more about how the pandemic has impacted you and the challenges you may face in the future.

Please help by responding to this short, 10 to 15-minute survey.

While the overall summary results from this survey will be made public, your individual responses will not be shared with anyone and will be kept confidential.

With your help, we are confident that the State can help businesses and non-profit organizations safely and equitably recover from this crisis.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Announces New Business Grant Program:

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced a $50 million expansion of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to small businesses facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded program will provide grants up to $10,000 to qualified businesses and relaxes eligibility criteria to include a broader variety of businesses as well as home-based businesses and sole proprietorships. For more information, visit www.njeda.com.

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.