After reviewing the policies important to candidates as well as their backgrounds, North-JerseyNews.com announced its endorsements for the July 7 primary. We have recommended a Democratic and a Republican nominee for the five North Jersey seats in the House of Representatives as well as the U.S. Senate seat to be voted on in November. North-JerseyNews.com
Samplings of hospitals and physicians conducting antibody tests are providing a snapshot of the spread of COVID-19. Early results of testing in North Jersey suggest that age wasn’t a factor in contracting the virus that causes COVID-19, hospital workers were infected at about the same rate as everyone else and a small percentage of people got the disease without showing symptoms. New Jersey Herald
New Jersey ranks as one of the top states in the nation with the ability to contain COVID-19, according to a non-profit made up of healthcare professionals. CovidActNow, composed of technologists, epidemiologists, health experts and public policy leaders, states on its website that “cases are steadily decreasing and New Jersey’s COVID preparedness meets or exceeds international standards.” Only New York and Michigan meet the standards set forth. North-JerseyNews.com
New Jersey businesses and organized sports will resume as part of Phase Two reopening June 22. Personal care services are available again, including barbershops, beauty salons, cosmetology shops, electrology facilities, hair braiding shops, massage parlors, nail salons, spas, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors. News12 New Jersey
Camping in tents is now allowed in a dozen state parks, forests and recreation areas. All other forms of overnight use including cabins, shelters, group cabins, wilderness campsites, primitive campsites and group campsites will remain closed, due to spacing requirements and staffing necessary to clean and maintain indoor facilities. NJ1015.com
Visitations at long-term care facilities resumed June 21. State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced assisted living residences, dementia care homes, pediatric transitional care homes and comprehensive personal care homes reunions will be done outdoors in a designated space, with a staff member wearing a surgical mask remaining with the resident during the entire visit and social distancing protocols being observed. North-JerseyNews.com
Morristown shut down a bar officials say failed to follow new coronavirus regulations on outdoor dining. Tashmoo Bar & Restaurant had its outdoor dining license revoked after overcrowding on June 19, where reports noted large groups of people clustered together, with most not wearing masks at the bar’s outdoor beer garden. News12 New Jersey
Rutgers University will require face coverings for everyone on campus and operate at roughly 35% capacity as part of the state university’s plan to reopen this summer. Employees will return in a phased-in approach, with many continuing to work remotely until restrictions are relaxed for indoor gatherings. Social distancing will be in effect, with some physical barriers possibly being added to prevent the spread of coronavirus. NJ.com
President Donald Trump’s comments about wanting to limit coronavirus testing drew fire from North Jersey’s congressional delegation. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez said he believes the president he says he slowed the testing, while Rep. Bill Pascrell stated “Our nation’s inability to test adequately is Trump’s deliberate failure and Americans are dead and dying still because of it. NJ.com
And finally…Longtime Politifax editor and N.J. politics expert Nick Acocella died at the age of 77 June 21. NJ.com
