New Jersey received a fourth shipment of protective medical equipment from the federal government, which Gov. Phil Murphy said “in no way alleviates” the need the state has. Bergen County has been selected as one of the first areas to receive a coronavirus test kit that can deliver results in as little as five minutes. North-JerseyNews.com
President Donald Trump criticized the New York-New Jersey metro area for its efforts to contain the coronavirus. While praising the current work of Gov. Phil Murphy, the president stated New Jersey got off to a “very late start” in battling the pandemic. Federal public health officials estimate in the U.S. between 100,000 and 240,000 could die of complications from the virus by the end of the year. The Record
Supermarkets are instituting aggressive social distancing steps to prevent the spread of the virus to both customers and employees. Among the steps taken include instilling tape in the checkout line to enforce social distancing, placing Plexiglass in front of cashiers and paying electronically so cashier do not have to exchange money with the consumer. NJTV
Gov. Phil Murphy will consider a ban of visitors from states with lax policies to address the coronavirus pandemic. Murphy hinted that, as cases begin to drop in New Jersey, he will make decisions based on science and fact to prohibit visitors from states that haven’t imposed similar restrictions because they didn’t “take this as seriously.” NJ.com
Bergen County police departments are banned from asking coronavirus patients to place a sign at their homes. The Bergen County Prosecutor issued the directive due to police having access to the names and addresses of those who test positive, thanks to a recent loosening of state rules governing information sharing. The Record
Newark police shut down 15 non-essential businesses and issued 161 summonses for people in violation of stay-at-home orders March 30. State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan said the crackdown is the sign of more to come for those who ignore the stay-at-home order and non-essential businesses that continue to operate. NJ.com
The union representing Sussex County librarians believe they should not should not be considered “essential” employees. CWA Local 1032 told the County Freeholders librarians involved in re-shelving books being returned by the public through drop-boxes are not receiving fresh gloves to use, instead told to wash the ones they are using instead. New Jersey Herald
Daytop New Jersey will close its specialty substance-use-disorder treatment program in Mendham May 29 in order to keep its other rehabilitation programs open. The facility is one of only seven such treatment centers and the last of two long-term specialty adolescent substance-use-disorder residential programs in New Jersey. The Daily Record
New Jersey state parks and forest trails remain open for passive recreation such as walking, jogging or cycling. Entrance fees are being waived as well to encourage people to visit. Officials have cordoned off playground and workout equipment, while restrooms are closed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. NJ1015.com
And finally…The Garden State will open trout season April 1, 10 days before the traditional start, for catch and release only. NJ.com
