Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 8/31/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Coronavirus Update 8-31-2020

Governor Murphy Announces Indoor Dining Resuming:

Today Governor Murphy announced that he will be signing an Executive Order to resume indoor dining effective Friday September 4, 2020 at 6:00 a.m. at 25% capacity, with social distancing requirements in place. Restaurants must comply with the following protocols:

  • No more than 25% capacity; parties capped at eight (8).
  • Maintain six feet distance between tables.
  • Staff must wear masks at all times.
  • Diners must wear masks when they are not in their seats.
  • Food and beverages can only be consumed while seated.
  • If you are dining at a restaurant that provides table service, you will only be able to order while seated at your table.
  • Only staff can bring you your food or beverage.
  • If you are seated at a table, you cannot go to the bar to get another drink or place an order for a dish.
  • Restaurants that provide food service at their bars may allow patrons to dine at the bar – provided that all diners are kept at proper social distances.
  • Any group seated together at the bar is capped at four individuals.

Governor Murphy also announced strict ventilation requirements:

  • Windows must be opened to ensure proper flow of fresh air into the dining areas.
  • Air conditioner units must be turned so that they’re allowing for maximum amount of outdoor air to be introduced to the dining area.

Governor Murphy Announces Increased Indoor Capacity:

Today Governor Murphy announced that the capacity limits are increased for the following indoor gatherings to the lesser of either 25% capacity or 150 individuals:

  • Religious Services and Celebrations
  • Weddings
  • Funerals
  • Memorial Services
  • Political Activities

Governor Murphy Announces Further Openings:

Today Governor Murphy announced that he is signing an Executive Order allowing for movie theaters and other indoor performance venues to re-open on Friday September 4, 2020 with the following requirements:

  • Face masks required.
  • Social distancing required.
  • Capacity will be capped at the lesser of either 25% capacity, or 150 people.
  • Each showing, and each theater in a multi-plex, will be subject to capacity limits.
  • If you have four screens, each screen will be held to the lesser of 25%, or 150 people.

County of Bergen Expands Small Business Grant Program To Restaurants and Other Essential Businesses:

County Executive Jim Tedesco announces that all Bergen County small businesses with up to 19 or less full-time employees will be eligible to apply for the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program which is set to open its next round of funding in phases starting on Monday, August 31st. The program which first opened in July, was only initially available to “non-essential” businesses forced to close as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Approximately $6,041,838 has been awarded to 754 small “non-essential” businesses in Bergen County thus far with applications still under review.

Like before, eligible businesses will be able to apply for up to $10,000 to offset the costs of rent payments, property mortgage, and utilities expenses.

The next round of applications will open in three staged phases:

  • Restaurants and Food Service Establishments – application opens Aug 31
  • Essential Retail – application opens Sept 7
  • All Small Businesses – application opens Sept 14

The deadline for all three phases will be Friday, October 5, 2020 at 5p.m. To apply for the program and for more information, business owners can visit www.BergenCountyCARES.org.

To qualify for the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program businesses must fall under the following criteria:

  • Businesses must have a physical location in Bergen County, NJ and must provide evidence that they are a valid operating business in the State of New Jersey (i.e. Certificate of Formation or Incorporation, latest corporate tax returns, sales tax returns and/or payroll tax returns).
  • Must have 19 or fewer full-time employees.
  • Businesses must have been open and operating on March 1, 2020.
  • Businesses owned by county employees and elected officials, as well as their immediate families, are not eligible.
  • Must provide affidavit stating company has not received any Federal, State or other funding or Federal/State documents showing date and monetary amount of all received assistance

Priority will be given to businesses that have not received any Federal grant assistance, New Jersey Economic Development Authority or US Small Business Administration grants or other grant assistance. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to small businesses across Bergen County as they continue to endure the uncertain reality of whether or not they can keep their doors open. That is why the County of Bergen has decided to expand the Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program to essential businesses that meet the same criteria as non-essential businesses so they can apply for much needed financial relief,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco.

“Our Bergen County small businesses have struggled to survive during the pandemic, and we want to help them stay alive. We shared our federal CARES Act money with non-essential businesses starting in July, and now we are pleased to extend a financial helping hand to even more of our small businesses,” said Bergen County Freeholder Chairwoman Mary Amoroso.

Receipt of grant funds through the Bergen County Small Business Grant Program is a one-time opportunity. Any business that has received grant funds during any phase of the Bergen County Small Business Grant Program is not eligible to receive additional grant funds through the program.

The Bergen County CARES Small Business Grant Program is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund. For administrative and troubleshooting questions, please email BergenCountyCares@co.bergen.nj.us or call 201-336-6011.

NJEDA Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program:

On August 11, 2020, NJEDA announced the first phase of the New Jersey Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program, designed to ensure that the State’s small businesses and non-profits have access to the fairly-priced personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to facilitate safe working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found at covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.

The State will soon launch a new website that provides micro and small businesses with the information needed to make easier and better PPE sourcing decision. The website will also offer a vetted list of online retailers that have agreed to verify the quality of the PPE they are selling and offer at least a 10% discount to businesses who enter through the State’s website. Online retailers will be vetted on a first-come, first serve basis by the NJEDA, and must agree to certain performance standards for their site (e.g., transparent pricing, high-quality products, etc.). Vetted online retailers will also be eligible to access an NJDEA grant pool of up to $3.5M to support the purchase of PPE that is manufactured in New Jersey or sourced from a small wholesaler based in a historically underserved community.

Assuming the first phase of the program is successful, the NJEDA intends to expand the program with $11M of support for micro and small businesses PPE purchases.

Applications for the online retailers to participate in the program are expected to launch as soon as possible. The public facing website, including small business decision-making tools and vetted discounted retailers will follow by early-to-mid December.

More information can be found at covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.

Upcoming Board, Committee, Commission Meetings:

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

  • Environmental Commission 9/1 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Shade Tree Commission 9/14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Communications Commission 9/14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Public Events Committee 9/14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Flood Commission 9/14 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 249 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 21,543 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 190,960 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.