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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 7/27/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Posted on: July 27, 2020 - 2:28pm
Coronavirus Update 7-27-2020

Metal Collection:

Town-wide metal collection for the Borough of Oakland has been changed to the SECOND THURSDAY of the month due to COVID-19 related issues with the Borough’s hauler. Residents will be receiving a town-wide mailer shortly as a reminder. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Tennis Courts:

Please be aware that there will be a Tennis Camp at the Oakland Tennis Courts the weeks of 7/20 and 7/27.  Only 2 courts will be available to the public during the hours of 9-12 and 1-4 during these two weeks.

UPDATED Travel Advisory: List Expanded to 31 States:

Due to the continued acceleration of confirmed COVID-19 cases in other states, Governor Murphy has issued an advisory for travelers to and from 31 States. Residents and visitors coming from these States are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days and to get tested.  

Update from NJ Transit:

NJ TRANSIT's operating units have in place clear protocols and procedures for the cleaning and disinfection of rolling stock, vehicles and public facilities. Our Frequently Asked Questions provide answers to your questions about our ongoing response to COVID-19.

NJ TRANSIT has enhanced its cleaning efforts to include disinfecting vehicles every 24 hours. Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting typically includes handholds, arm rests, seating areas and restrooms.

NJ TRANSIT’s enhanced cleaning regimen in stations includes additional disinfecting of frequent customer touchpoints such as ticket vending machines, handrails, and door handles. In major stations and terminals, this occurs once every shift.

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) offer the following preventative steps:

  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with those who are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, then wash hands
  • For more information, please visit the New Jersey Department of Health and the CDC.

How is NJ TRANSIT ensuring that the risk of contracting the virus is minimized when using transit services?

NJ TRANSIT has enhanced its cleaning efforts to include disinfecting vehicles every 24 hours. Our enhanced cleaning regimen in stations includes additional disinfecting of frequent customer touchpoints such as ticket vending machines, handrails, door handles. The cleaning agents used in this effort are deemed effective for these purposes and contain anti-viral components such as bleach/water mixes and other disinfectant sprays.

Customers wishing to limit your use of touchpoints are encouraged to purchase tickets through the NJ TRANSIT App.

NJ TRANSIT is closely engaged with the New Jersey Department of Health and other state and federal resources to carefully monitor, and if need be, respond to emergent health concerns that have the ability to impact customers and employees. NJ TRANSIT formed an internal task force that includes staff from its Medical, Office of Emergency Management, Environmental, Safety, Communications departments and all of our operating lines, and is closely monitoring this issue.

COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is dedicated to helping small businesses get back on their feet. Below are resources and services to support you during this challenging time.

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Accepting new applications through August 8, the PPP is an SBA-backed forgivable loan that has helped small businesses and non-profits continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. The PPP Flexibility Act, passed last month, has extended the covered period for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks after the loan disbursement and lowered the amount of loan proceeds that must be used for payroll costs from 75% to 60%. Forgiveness is mostly based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. The loan forgiveness form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers.
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):  EIDL helps small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster (and that aren’t already covered by a PPP loan).
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans: These loans allow small businesses who already have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to quickly access up to $25,000.
  • SBA Debt Relief: As part of SBA’s relief efforts, the agency will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months. SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.

            SBA also works with lending partners to provide SBA-guaranteed export loans. These loans – such as Export Express loans – can help exporting businesses respond to opportunities and challenges associated with trade, including COVID-19.

More information, click here.

U.S. Census ‘Push Week’:

Help the Borough of Oakland have the highest U.S. Census response rate in the State! Fill it Out NOW at 2020CENSUS.GOV or over the phone at 844-330-2020 (English), 844-468-2020 (Spanish) or any of the other language numbers listed at CENSUS.NJ.GOV.

Upcoming Board, Committee, Commission Meetings:

Meeting Links and Passwords for upcoming Board, Committee, and Commission Meetings are posted here. 

  • Recreation Commission 7/27 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Sustainable Oakland Green Team 7/28 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Shade Tree Commission 8/3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Environmental Commission 8/4 at 7:30 p.m.  

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 247 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 20,187 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 179,812 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.

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: 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.