Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 8/17/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Coronavirus Update 8-17-2020

Update on Borough Recycling Programs:

While the Borough remains committed to providing a robust recycling program for our residents, circumstances beyond our control during the pandemic have led to the temporary discontinuation of Styrofoam, plastic bag / film and clothing recycling. However, there are some alternatives available to residents.  See below for details.

  • Styrofoam: The Styrofoam collection program remains suspended at this time as the Borough seeks to identify another potential disposal site for the material.
  • Plastic Bags and Film: Our plastic bag and film collection program is a partnership with Trex and participating retailers.  Due to the pandemic, the retailer we have worked with is not able to accept the material at this time and we are searching for another retailer that can do so on a consistent basis.  In the meantime, residents can take their plastic bags to Shoprite for recycling.
  • Clothing: The vendor that operates the clothing bins behind Borough Hall has not provided a date for when service will resume.  As an alternative, residents may use the bins at the Elks Lodge to dispose of their used clothing.  

County of Bergen Announces Extension to Small Business Grant Program:

Due to the success of the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program for non-essential Bergen County businesses, the County of Bergen is happy to announce that they have extended the program and reopened the application portal for an additional week. Eligible business owners who missed the first opportunity can now apply!

The application portal, which can be found at www.BergenCountyCares.org, reopened this morning, and will close next ‪Friday, August 21st at 5p.m. The Bergen County CARES grant program was established to help provide relief to small businesses straddled with expenses related to COVID-19.

Businesses deemed “non-essential” per the Governor’s Executive Order that were forced to close as a measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in financial relief to cover rent, property mortgage, and utilities expenses.

The Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund. All administrative questions can be sent to BergenCountyCares@co.bergen.nj.us.

Oakland Police Department Announces New Community Outreach Program:

The Oakland Police Department would like to announce a new community outreach and involvement program called “Project Spotlight”. The purpose of Project Spotlight is to provide Oakland residents with an opportunity to identify a problem or concern in their neighborhood and bring it to the attention of the police department. The issue should be a problem that is capable of being solved by a police presence, enhanced police visibility or police enforcement of a motor vehicle law or a borough ordinance. Examples of issues that may apply to the Project Spotlight program would be a speeding issue on a specific roadway, a consistent disregard of a traffic control device or sign, not following the proper overnight parking procedure or other quality of life issue. The results of the project will be reported back to the resident and in certain circumstances, the results will be advertised on the police department’s Facebook page. For more information about Project Spotlight, visit the police department’s page on the Borough’s website and click on the Project Spotlight tab.

Upcoming Board, Committee, Commission Meetings:

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

  • Sustainable Oakland Green Team 8/25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Borough Council Meeting 8/26 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 21,070 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 187,767 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.