July 21, 2020
Update as of 9:45 am:
This community case has been confirmed.
We strongly encourage anyone traveling to NJ from outside of the state to get tested. As of Monday (yesterday), people flying into New Jersey will be asked to fill out an electronic survey as the Garden State continues to call for travelers arriving from 22 states that qualify as coronavirus hotspots to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days.
Berkeley Heights Covid-19 Update, July 20, 2020
It appears the Township is reporting one community case of Covid-19. Confirmation is pending with our Health Officer. Remember, contract tracing will/has been initiated. Any incidence of a community Covid-19 case, our public health nurse will notify you if you have been potentially exposed.
***If you have traveled outside of New Jersey, please consider a Covid-19 test.***
Please continue to exercise CAUTION by:
- Wear a mask when you leave your house and cannot social distance.
- Sanitized your hands every time it is possible.
- Do not touch your face.
Here are the numbers for today:
14 active cases; 13 of them in Vulnerable Population Institutions
- 272 closed cases
- 123 LTC Recovered
- 55 LTC Deaths
- 4 BH Resident Deaths
Total of 286 Cases
July 20, 2020
- High-risk sports (football, wrestling, cheerleading, etc) can now resume practice
- An all-remote learning option will be allowed for students this fall
- Individuals flying into NJ are expected to fill out a quarantine survey
The community is reporting one additional case of COVID-19.
Please continue to exercise CAUTION by:
- Wear a mask when you leave your house and cannot social distance.
- Sanitize your hands every time it is possible.
- Do not touch your face.
By the Numbers:
- 462 new cases in New Jersey; 176,963 total
- 7 new cases in Union County; 16,517 total
- 50 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,741 total
- 3 new deaths in Union County; 1,165 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 14 active cases (13 from VPI)
- 272 closed cases (123 recovered from LTC, 55 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 286 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 798 people remain hospitalized
- 146 people are in critical condition
- 72 people are on ventilators
High-Risk Sports May Resume Practice - High-risk sports are now allowed to resume practice in outdoor venues. These sports include football, rugby, boxing, martial arts, wrestling, and cheerleading.
Mask Train Your Kids Before Schools Reopen - As many schools require masks inside classrooms/hallways/buses, it is advised to train children to wear their mask for extended periods of time to simulate the length of the school day.
NJ to Allow All Remote Learning Option for Students - Parents will have the option to have their children to choose all-remote learning in the fall.
Flying into NJ Quarantine Survey - All individuals flying into NJ should fill out a survey about where they’re traveling from and their destination. 22 states remain on the quarantine advisory list.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Set to Reopen - The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark will be reopening on July 23rd. Guests are required to wear masks.
July 16, 2020
- Indoor visits for kids/disabled residents at long-term care facilities are now allowed by appointment
By the Numbers:
- 586 new cases in New Jersey; 176,501 total
- 30 new cases in Union County; 16,567 total
- 56 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,691 total
- 2 new deaths in Union County; 1,162 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 13 active cases (13 from VPI)
- 272 closed cases (123 recovered from LTC, 55 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 285 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 862 people remain hospitalized
- 146 people are in critical condition
- 64 people are on ventilators
State Plan to Address Digital Divide - As many schools have announced a hybrid-reopening model, the state announced a plan to provide online access and electronic devices to students for home instruction. Governor Murphy hopes to exhaust both philanthropic and federal funding to pay for it, especially given the strained state budget.
NJ Starts Paying Extended 20 Weeks of Unemployment Benefits - In the week ending July 11th, $2.2 million were paid in extended benefits. Most workers now have 59 weeks of unemployment benefits. Gig-workers and the self-employed have received an additional 7 weeks.
Long-Term Care Facilities - Parents and legal guardians of pediatric, developmentally disabled, and intellectually disabled residents at New Jersey’s long-term care facilities will be now allowed to visit them indoors by appointment. Visitors must follow expected protocol and minimize exposure to other residents.
Target, CVS, Kohl’s, BJ’s join stores requiring masks nationwide - Retail stores nationwide are now requiring mandatory face coverings. BJ, CVS, Kohl, Walmart, Starbucks, Best Buy, and others will require masks starting on July 20th, while Target will start on August 1st.
NJ Theatres to Remain Dark - A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by theatre owners to reopen. For now, theatres will remain closed.
$9.9 Billion Borrowing Plan Moves Forward - The state will borrow nearly $10 billion to offset the revenue lost predicted through the end of the next fiscal year. Governor Murphy has argued that while painful, it is necessary to avoid making drastic cuts.
July 14, 2020
- Governor Murphy has added Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin to the Quarantine Advisory. Delaware has been removed.
- Capacity limits for NJ Transit and private-carrier vehicles have been lifted
- Union County has announced a COVID-19 Relief Grant Program for small businesses
By the Numbers:
- 617 new cases in New Jersey; 175,915 total
- 36 new cases in Union County; 16,537 total
- 41 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,635 total
- 1 new death in Union County; 1,160 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- Active cases have FALLEN
- 14 active cases (14 from VPI)
- 271 closed cases (123 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 285 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 888 people remain hospitalized
- 149 people are in critical condition
- 79 people are on ventilators
Updated Quarantine Advisory- Governor Murphy has added to the states on the quarantine advisory. The new state list: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. All individuals travelling to NJ from these states should self-quarantine for 14 days.
Lifting Capacity Limits on NJ Transit - For NJ Transit and private-carrier buses, trains, light rail vehicles, and Access Link vehicles, the 50% capacity limit will be lifted on July 15th. Food and beverages should not be consumed, and face coverings are required.
Union County Distributing First Round of Federal Coronavirus Grants - The Union County COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will provide up to $20,000 for rent, mortgage property payments, utilities, and insurance expenses to small businesses (25 or less employees). The application will be available on July 16th on the Union County website.
Tax Hikes in NJ Likely - Due to the lost revenue and nearly $10 billion borrowing plan as a result of the pandemic, Governor Murphy expects to make adjustments to taxes, fees, tolls, and more to balance the budget and avoid layoffs.
Schools Plan Reopening - To learn about how some schools are planning their reopening this fall, check out the article.
July 12, 2020
- NO CHANGES in COVID cases for the past 2 days. Go Berkeley Heights!
- The NJSIAA has announced guidelines for fall high school sports
By the Numbers:
- 1,058 new cases in New Jersey; 175,298 total
- 30 new cases in Union County; 16,501 total
- 93 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,594 total
- 2 new deaths in Union County; 1,159 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- NO CHANGE on July 11,12
- 16 active cases (16 from VPI)
- 269 closed cases (121 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 285 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 890 people remain hospitalized
- 163 people are in critical condition
- 86 people are on ventilators
Parties Causing Uptick in Coronavirus Cases - In Westfield, parties have been linked to an uptick in coronavirus cases. It is advised to keep indoor parties to a minimum to minimize potential virus spread.
NJSIAA Announces "Return to Play" Guidelines for Fall High School Sports - In hopes of having fall high school sports, the NJSIAA has issued a set of guidelines. All sports will be allowed to resume practice on September 14th, with the season starting around October 1st.
NJ’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program - There are now over 41,000 applications for NJ’s $100 million rental relief fund. Renters who are approved will have the government cover 70% of their rent. The deadline is on July 17th.
NJ Food Banks getting $20 Million - To address the sudden spike in individuals who have lost their jobs during the pandemic, the state is distributing $20 million to food banks. There will also be $208 million in special food assistance benefits for children who would have received reduced/free lunch during the school year.
Reopening Recap - For a summary of the activities and locations that are reopening/rescheduling/closed in NJ, check out the following article.
July 9, 2020
- Mask wearing is now MANDATED outdoors if social distancing is not possible
- Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA now OPEN
- Indoor dining is permitted for restaurants capable of opening 2 of their 4 walls
Mask Up!
Mask wearing is now mandated outdoors if social distancing is not possible. Here are some of the notable exceptions:
- You are eating or drinking outdoors at a restaurant or bar.
- A face covering endangers your health and safety.
- You are a child under the age of 2.
- You are walking alone or with your family in your neighborhood, a park, or beach.
- You can keep 6 feet or more from people other than your family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
- You are “engaging in high-intensity aerobic or anaerobic activities.”
- You are in water.
- You have to briefly remove the mask for religious reasons.
- You are in an outdoor space at child-care centers facilities and youth summer camps.
By the Numbers:
- 362 new cases in New Jersey; 174,240 total
- 31 new cases in Union County; 16,462 total
- 76 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,501 total
- 1 new death in Union County; 1,157 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 17 active cases (17 from VPI)
- 268 closed cases (121 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 285 cases
NO NEW COVID cases in BH in 6 days! That’s great news! Please continue safe social distancing, mask wearing and hygiene to keep the BH curve flat!
Hospitalizations:
- 963 people remain hospitalized
- 170 people are in critical condition
- 104 people are on ventilators
Murphy’s New Outdoor Mask Rule - To limit the spread of the virus, mask wearing is now mandated outdoors in public when social distancing is not possible. There are exceptions, such as dining outdoors, walking alone/with your family, in water, youth camps, if it poses a risk to your health, and others. Violators will receive summonses for disorderly person offenses.
Berkeley Heights Community Pool at YMCA Reopens - The Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA has reopened. Features include diving boards, slides, and even a separate child pool. For information on specific guidelines, please visit the YMCA website.
Indoor Dining Allowed for Certain Restaurants - For restaurants that can open up two of their four walls, they will be allowed to offer indoor dining. Traditional four-walled restaurants will have to continue waiting before offering service indoors.
Big Spike in Unemployment Claims - During the week ending July 4, more than 47,000 claims were filed for unemployment. According to the Department of Labor, the majority of the claims are from furloughed state workers and workers laid off from the end of the school year.
July 7, 2020
- Berkeley Heights active cases have FALLEN to 18, with no new cases for the past 4 days
- Spray Park in Snyder Park will REOPEN tomorrow
- The Quarantine Advisory now includes Delaware, Kansas, and Oklahoma
Spray Park at Snyder Avenue OPEN TODAY! + BH Numbers Holding Steady
Beginning Wednesday, July 8, the spray park at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights will reopen. Out of an abundance of caution, the spray park has been closed since the local onset of the COVID-19 global health pandemic.
In addition, the public bathrooms at Snyder Avenue Park are also now open.
To limit the spread of the virus, visitors should follow these protocols:
- Frequent hand washing, using soap
- Carrying hand sanitizer everywhere and frequently using it when hand washing is not available
- Maintaining a 6-foot social distance between yourself and others outside of your immediate family members
- Using a mask when social distancing is not possible
- Sneezing or coughing into your elbow – not into the air; we now know that smaller
- infectious virus droplets in the form of aerosols can hand in the air for at least hours
Berkeley Heights has experienced no new cases in the last four days. In fact, the total number of active cases has fallen to 18, with dozens recovering! Residents are doing a great job at social distancing and wearing face masks. With people now participating in activities like sports and camps, we must continue to be even more vigilant to flatten the curve so we can reopen our local economy.
By the Numbers:
- 267 new cases in New Jersey; 173,878 total
- 18 new cases in Union County; 16,450 total
- 52 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,425 total
- 3 new deaths in Union County; 1,156 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 18 active cases (18 from VPI)
- 267 closed cases (121 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 285 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 903 people remain hospitalized
- 169 people are in critical condition
- 142 people are on ventilators
Updated Quarantine Advisory - Governor Murphy has added to the states on the quarantine advisory. The new state list: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. All individuals travelling to NJ from these states should self-quarantine for 14 days.
Long Lines at MVC Stations - MVC agencies have reopened, but waiting lines are exceptionally long. MVC agencies recommend people to wait another week before returning.
Latest Info on PPP Loans - Businesses that want to qualify for loan forgiveness now have 24 weeks instead of eight weeks to spend PPP funds. The portion of the loan that must be spent on payroll has been reduced to 60% from 75%. Companies will not be penalized if workers who have been offered their jobs back with the same hours and pay don’t return.
Recent COVID-19 Transmission Flare-Up Could Hit Pause on NJ’s Reopening - Newly-released COVID-19 figures that show New Jersey maybe heading in the wrong direction could mean the state will be forced to remain in Stage 2 of its recovery plan longer than expected.
July 6, 2020
- NJ Graduations have resumed
- Summer schools and summer camps have resumed
- Applications for the rental assistance program are now available
By the Numbers:
- 869 new cases in New Jersey; 173,611 total
- 11 new cases in Union County; 16,432 total
- 85 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,373 total
- 2 new deaths in Union County; 1,153 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- NO CHANGES on July 4th,5th
- 74 active cases (74 from VPI)
- 210 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 284 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 861 people remain hospitalized
- 187 people are in critical condition
- 152 people are on ventilators
N.J.’s $100M Rental Aid Program - NJ’s rental assistance program is now available to low/moderate income households. The program will provide up to six months of relief, and those selected will have to contribute 30% of their income to rent, with the state covering the other 70%. Applications are due on July 17th.
Outdoor Graduations Can Resume - Schools in NJ will be permitted to host graduations for the class of 2020. They are limited to 500 people, and attendees should wear face coverings and continue social distancing. Those who are returning to NJ from states listed on the quarantine advisory should not attend any graduation for 14 days.
Summer Camps and Summer School Resume - Summer camps and schools have reopened. For their safety guidelines, check out the following article.
Murphy Hits Pause on Reopening - Due to a rising transmission rate, businesses/services that have not reopened will have to continue waiting. However, the state has no current plans to roll back any prior steps.
July 3, 2020
- Indoor Pools have REOPENED
- The outdoor gathering limit is now 500 people
- Shore rentals are on the rise, as more people are flocking to the beach
- NJ’s public health emergency has been extended by 30 days
By the Numbers:
- 814 new cases in New Jersey; 172,742 total
- 32 new cases in Union County; 16,416 total
- 84 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,308 total
- 2 new death in Union County; 1,151 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 73 active cases (73 from VPI)
- 210 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 283 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 1,028 people remain hospitalized
- 216 people are in critical condition
- 167 people are on ventilators
The Jersey Shore is Back - With the state lifting up restrictions on the beach and the boardwalk, shore house rentals have rebounded. Expect similar, high traffic to last year’s 4th of July weekend.
Increased Outdoor Gathering Capacity Limit - Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 500 people, and outdoor religious services and political activities will have no limits. Indoor gatherings will still be limited to 25% of capacity, with a maximum of 100 people.
Indoor Pools can Reopen - Pools, hot tubs, and spas will be able to reopen at 25% capacity. Spectators are required to wear a face covering, and lap swimming will be restricted to one direction/person per lane. Swimming lessons will be permitted.
Unemployment Payments in NJ Exceed $9B - Payments to NJ workers have now exceeded $9 Billion. For a comprehensive set of the weekly payments and unemployment claims, check out the article.
Public Health Emergency Extended by 30 Days - The public health emergency in New Jersey has been extended by 30 days.
July 1, 2020
- NJ has increased the number of states on the quarantine advisory
- Berkeley Heights will host a drive-in movie experience on July 22nd
- Although indoor dining is postponed, multiple types of businesses will be reopening on July 2nd
- On July 6th, curbside pick-up & the book drop will be available at the Berkeley Heights Public Library
Reopening on July 2nd:
- Casinos
- Racetracks
- Outdoor amusement/water parks
- Museums
- Aquariums
- Indoor Bowling Alleys
- Batting Cages
- Shooting Ranges
- Boardwalk arcades
- Playgrounds
By the Numbers:
- 656 new cases in New Jersey; 171,928 total
- 15 new cases in Union County; 16,384 total
- 86 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,224 total
- 4 new death in Union County; 1,149 total
- Berkeley Heights:
- 73 active cases (73 from VPI)
- 210 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
- Total of 283 cases
Hospitalizations:
- 1,080 people remain hospitalized
- 217 people are in critical condition
- 178 people are on ventilators
Properly Dispose of Your PPE!!
The intersection of Mountain and Plainfield Avenues in Berkeley Heights has been found to be littered with masks! Litter of ANY kind is unacceptable, but dropping your used masks or gloves anywhere other than the trash can is simply irresponsible. DO YOUR PART AND THROW THEM IN THE TRASH!
Also, Columbia Park is being defaced with spray paint and trash is being left everywhere from gatherings after dusk. Parents: PLEASE talk to your kids about responsibly helping take care of our parks, taking care of their trash and never defacing public property. Thank you for your cooperation!
Reopening Summary - For a summary of what is reopening, read the following article.
Updated Quarantine Advisory - Individuals should self-quarantine for 14 days if they are travelling to NJ from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.
Unemployed workers to get an additional 20 weeks of benefits - Unemployed workers will receive an additional 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, raising the maximum amount of eligible weeks to be 59. For independent contractors, gig workers, and the self-employed, they will only be eligible for an additional 7 weeks.
Governor Signs Bare Bones State Spending Plan - To meet state obligations, Governor Murphy has passed a three month, $7.6 billion spending bill that reduces expenditures and defers payments. As a result, the state will be able to provide for social service programs. For more specifics, check out the article.
Drive-In Movie Experience Comes to Berkeley Heights - On July 22nd, August 5th, and August 18th, Berkeley Heights will have the “Summer 2020 Drive-In Movie Experience.” The drive-in movie experience will be located at the parking lot between the Lifetime and Connell building. Car tickets will cost $25 to $30. The movie on July 22nd will be Jurassic Park.
Click here for:
Click here for the updates from June 2020
Governor Livingston student Desmond Lam contributed to these reports.