Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Bergen County Executive James Tedesco are self-quarantined as they await test results after interacting with Holy Name Medical Center CEO who has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, the state expanded the essential retail businesses allowed to operate during normal business hours. North-JerseyNews.com
The White House and Congress struck a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus bill. The aim is to deliver critical financial support to businesses forced to shut their doors and relief to American families and hospitals reeling from the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the resulting economic disruption. The New York Times
Global stocks rallied March 25 on word the government relief package was agreed to. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.6%, suggesting U.S. blue-chip shares are likely to rise for a second day after rising 11% March 24. The Wall Street Journal
New Jersey’s Assembly members will call into a conference line to cast their votes remotely on several bills related to the coronavirus pandemic. The bills will be announced over the phone and each member will be called on to respond to vote. It’s the first time the 80-member chamber won’t be physically gathering to cast votes in person. PoliticoNJ
Passaic County opened its drive-thru screening station for the coronavirus at William Paterson University. The testing is for county residents only showing symptoms and have a prescription or referral from either your physician or an online medical provider. The screening station will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, or until supplies of the test kits run out. The Record
Rutgers researchers are testing a new, faster COVID-19 test completed in about 45 minutes at a hospital, instead of being sent to a laboratory that may take five days or more for a result. California-based Cepheid developed the test which has emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration and could begin shipping it out as early as March 31, following Rutgers’ initial evaluation. NJ.com
The New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway stopped accepting cash payments as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19. Vehicles without E-ZPass can drive through toll plazas without stopping and an invoice will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. No additional administrative fees will be charged. NJ1015.com
The Jersey City Board of the Education anticipates saving $11 million this year, due in part to the indefinite closure of schools. The Board of Education recently approved the district’s proposed $736 million budget, which included a $64 million hike in school taxes from a year ago. The Jersey Journal
CarePoint Health and BMC Hospital LLC signed a letter of intent to sell and preserve the Bayonne Medical Center. BMC Hospital LLC plans to expand the hospital’s services and to continue to deliver healthcare services. Hudson Reporter
There have been at least 27 lawsuits filed against the Boy Scouts of America in New Jersey since a law suspended the civil statute of limitations for sex abuse complaints for two years. The New Jersey lawsuits include claims against 25 scout leaders who allegedly abused 25 men across the state in counties including Bergen, Morris, Sussex, Hudson and Essex counties. The Daily Record
And finally…The deadline for drivers to get a Real ID driver’s license has been postponed. NJ.com
