New Jersey schools will remain closed the rest of the year. Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement May 4, citing the need to “protect the health of our children, our educators and their families.” Additionally, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan reported “overwhelming compliance” at reopened parks and golf courses on May 2 and 3. North-JerseyNews.com
With schools closing their buildings for the rest of the year, high school sports were officially canceled. The NJSIAA medical board determined that due to a lack of viable testing and vaccines, spring sports were not a viable option. The Daily Record
Ridgewood’s 110th annual parade and fireworks will not be held this year. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee cited health concerns as well as fiscal issues for cancelling day-long festivities that are entirely funded by community businesses and private donations. The Record
State Senate President Steve Sweeney believes there are plenty of other businesses that should be allowed to resume operations by Memorial Day. Sweeney said business owners could make the decision to reopen, as long as they would require masks, accommodate social distancing and place a limit on the number of customers allowed in stores at one time. NJ.com
U.S. researchers warned about the possibility of a new surge in coronavirus cases as more states begin to open their economies and relax social-distancing rules. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation doubled its previous death-toll projection to 135,000 by early August. The Wall Street Journal
Former Gov. Chris Christie stated in a television interview the country should reopen. Christie pointed to the “economic devastation” from widespread closures of businesses put in place to help slow the spread of the virus. The Record
New York and New Jersey commercial fishermen are reporting a 30% drop in revenue since stay at home orders were put in place. New Jersey scallops have been the only seafood “holding its value somewhat.” as most fresh fish species prices are down by 25%. PoliticoNJ
Costco will limit fresh meat purchases to three items per member in response to the closing of a number of meat processing plants around the nation. Outbreaks of the coronavirus at a number of plants across the U.S. led to some closing down and others struggling to remain open. NJ.com
Hoboken will hold a special meeting in efforts to cut an estimated budget deficit of up to $20 million. A measure cutting city council, mayoral and department head salaries by 10% through the rest of the year will be offered as well as eliminating the city’s Office of Constituent Services and the city engineer. The Jersey Journal
Jersey City council will vote on a resolution to remove a ballot question asking to convert the elected school board into a mayoral appointed body. The city’s mayor had sought the referendum as a way to better handle the finances of the school district. Hudson Reporter
And finally…The New York Football Giants season ticket holders payments are being deferred until July 1 because of the coronavirus pandemic. NJ.com
