COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses

Click here for an official link to NJ.Gov's official page for COVID-19 information and updates

​Governor Announces New Jobs Portal
 
Governor Phil Murphy recently announced that many businesses across New Jersey are looking to hire thousands of workers, including those who lost their jobs or have had hours reduced as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.  
 
Recognizing the economic impact of the closures, New Jersey has launched sites for those looking for work amid the outbreak to connect with businesses that are hiring.

Unemployed workers should visit a new resource page, www.jobs.covid19.nj.gov to learn about those employers that are hiring within their community.  This website will continue to be updated as more jobs become known and available.
 
Your business can also connect with these workers seeking New Jersey job opportunities by visiting https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake and submitting information on the positions you need filled.
New Resources from the U.S. Chamber

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Guide

New!

Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the funds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses. Download this step-by-step guide to calculate your loan forgiveness amount, navigate record-keeping requirements, and determine repayment terms on amounts not forgiven. We hope you will share this new guide with your members.

Click here to download the PPP Forgiveness Guide

Reopening Business Digital Resources Center

New Resource Added!

Last week, as part of the Path Forward initiative, the U.S. Chamber unveiled its Reopening Business Digital Resources Center to equip America's business community with the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources as we look to reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed.
Now, the resources center also includes a customizable workplace flyer to help you and your members communicate the steps your company is taking to keep them safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to employees and customers.

Click here to view the Digital Resources Center

Reopening Business Digital Resources Center Toolkit

In addition to the Reopening Business Digital Resources Center, and as you and your members face new questions and unprecedented new challenges, the U.S. Chamber has also created a comprehensive toolkit of key messages, example posts, and social media graphics for you to utilize while sharing the tools and resources with your local business communities and networks.

Click here to view the Toolkit

Small Business Reopening Playbook

Now Available in Spanish! 

View the U.S. Chamber's new Small Business Reopening Playbook which provides in-depth information and resources for you and your members as you plan and prepare to reopen and get back to work.
​
Considering that reopening strategies will largely depend on the state and business type, this guide has consolidated federal, state, and local guidelines, industry specific resources, insights and strategies from leading experts, and more.

Click here to view the Playbook
The number of COVID-19 cases in our state continues to grow, and my prayers are with the New Jersey families who have lost loved ones to this pandemic. These tragedies remind us that we must all take state and federal social distancing measures seriously, even if they are inconvenient. We must be part of the solution or else we will be part of the statistics. 
As always, I am going to put the needs of New Jerseyans first. I’ve compiled some resources below to help.
 
Stay safe and healthy,
Bob Menendez

Senator Menendez’s Coronavirus Webpage: menendez.senate.gov/coronavirus
•     General Resources
•     Travelers
•     Food Banks
•     Mental Health and Wellness
 
GENERAL RESOURCES:
 
How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19: 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

NJ Coronavirus Site: covid19.nj.gov 

NJ Department of Health: https://nj.gov/health/

NJ Department of Health 24-Hour Coronavirus Hotline:
Speak to a healthcare professional at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253.

NJ 2-1-1 Call Center:
For general coronavirus information & basic needs, dial 211. For alerts/updates, text NJCOVID to 898-211.

High Risk and Special Populations:
 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/index.html

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Essential Health Benefits:
 https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Fact-Sheets-and-FAQs/Downloads/EHB-Benchmark-Coverage-of-COVID-19.pdf
COVID-19 Fact Sheet: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese

NJ COVID-19 Benefits Chart: https://www.nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/COVID-19%20SCENARIOS.pdf

NJ COVID-19 Benefits Chart (Español):
 https://www.nj.gov/labor/assets/PDFs/COVID-19%20SCENARIOS_SPANISH.pdf

NJ Department of Labor Benefits Info:
 https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/covid.shtml

Mortgage Assistance: 
https://www.fhfa.gov/Homeownersbuyer/MortgageAssistance

Housing Counseling:
 https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm

TRAVELERS:
 
CDC Resources for Travelers: 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

Additional Resource for Travelers from Dept. of State: 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html


FOOD BANKS:
 
Food Bank of South Jersey: https://foodbanksj.org/
856-662-4884

Community FoodBank of New Jerseys:
 https://cfbnj.org/
Headquarters: 908-355-3663
Southern Branch: 609-383-8843

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
 
Alzheimer’s Association Free 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900

Alzheimer’s Association COVID-19 Tip Sheet: alz.org/COVID19

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Mental Health Association of New Jersey: https://www.mhanj.org/

Mental Health Information and Referrals: 1-866-202-HELP (4357)

Domestic Violence Resources:
 https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence

NJCEDV’s Response to COVID-19: https://njcedv.org/covid19/

NJCEDV State Hotline: The statewide domestic violence hotline is available at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), and can help direct survivors to the resources closest to them, and the National Deaf Videophone is available to assist Deaf survivors at 1-855-812-1001.

NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault: Our top priority, now and always, is ensuring survivors of sexual violence across New Jersey have access to our county-based service providers. We're working closely with New Jersey's local sexual violence programs to minimize health risks while continuing to provide resources and services to survivors and their loved ones. New Jersey's 24-hour statewide hotline is still available at 1-800-601-7200. njcasa.org
 ​
NJBIA Statement on Gov. Murphy’s EO to Close Non-essential Businesses

March 21, 2020
By BConsidine@njbia.org

NJBIA President and CEO Michele N. Siekerka, Esq. issued the following statement in response to COVID-19 Emergency Order to close physical locations of all non-essential retail businesses, announced by Gov. Phil Murphy today.

“NJBIA understands the need to put public health first in confronting a global pandemic with uncertain reach.

“We thank the Governor and his staff for taking the time to understand the impacts this shutdown will have on the business community and the economy in what is an unprecedented time. We know that these are not easy decisions that come lightly.

“We also know the far-reaching effects today’s actions will have on New Jersey businesses, our workforce and our economy. We are asking our business community to take a deep breath before reacting, as we all take the time to review the language and practical application of the Governor’s Executive Order.

Click here to read full statement by NJBIA


List of New Jersey Resources from NJBIA (Links):

List of Federal Resources from NJBIA (Links):
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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 long-term care facilities.
  • 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: There are currently 70 COVID-19 testing sites across the state, including State-sponsored and private facilities. 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.
A Message From The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
March 18, 2020
A Business Leader's Guide to the Coronavirus
 
The latest information collected by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce about how the outbreak is affecting New Jersey and your business. 
 
Cases in New Jersey - New Jersey officials announced 89 new coronavirus cases Tuesday increasing the statewide total to 267 positive tests with three deaths as the outbreak continues to expand. 
 
Business Closures - Gov. Murphy yesterday mandated the indefinite closure across New Jersey of 1) all indoor portions of retail shopping malls and 2) all indoor and outdoor places of public amusement. This supplements the list of facilities currently closed to members of the public, which includes casino gaming floors, racetracks, gyms and entertainment centers.
 
Restaurants and Bars Can Partially Operate - Takeout and delivery are still an option at restaurants and bars until 8 p.m. (including those in malls that have a separate entrance). 
 
No Groups of 50 or More - The governor teamed with governors of New York and Connecticut to recommend the cancellation or postponement of in-person events consisting of 50 people or more. “The work against coronavirus isn't just up to some of us, it's up to all of us," Murphy said.
 
Calling in the Military - Gov. Murphy yesterday requested the support of the United States military and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist New Jersey’s efforts to expand hospital and intensive care unit capacity in preparation for the continued spread of COVID-19. 
 
NJ Chamber Flash Survey - Virtually all NJ Chamber of Commerce member firms expect to feel a negative impact from the coranavirus crisis, according to our survey. About a third are anticipating a workforce downturn. Two-thirds approve of Gov. Murphy's response. 
 
Employee Benefits Info on One Page - Here is a good chart on what benefits employees qualify for when their work status is impacted by coronavirus.
 
Resources - New Jersey set up a website with information for businesses and the impact of coronavirus.
The U.S. Small Business Administration set up a website with info on business guidance & loan resources related to coronavirus. 
 
Scam Alert - If you receive a call from a scammer or suspect price gouging, please report it to N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at http://njconsumeraffairs.gov.
 
Coronavirus Hotline - Gov. Murphy has set up a 24-hour hotline where trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about coronavirus. The number is 1-800-222-1222 and the call is free. If using an out-of-state phone line, call 1-800-962-1253.
 
CDC Guidance for Businesses - A guide for business and employers for dealing with the Coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is staying on top of Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. For news media requests, please email Scott Goldstein.