Volume 11/Issue 18 - Wednesday, April 15, 2020
  • The latest on New Jersey’s COVID-19 response: Rutgers gets FDA Approval for Coronavirus Saliva Test; DOL Implements Tech Upgrades; New Guidelines for Independent Contractors and Gov. Murphy Signs New Coronavirus Bills
  • COVID-19 Resources

LATEST UPDATES

Rutgers University gets FDA Approval for Coronavirus Saliva Test: Yesterday, Rutgers University researchers received US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval for the first saliva test to help diagnose COVID-19. The FDA authorized the test under emergency powers to quickly clear new tests and therapies to contain and fight the outbreak. Click here for more information on the new, Rutgers University-developed coronavirus saliva test.

NJ Dept. of Labor Implements Customer-Service & Tech Improvements: In order to deal with the historic increase in Unemployment Claims, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has made a series of moves to get unemployment claims processed faster and customers’ questions answered quicker. These moves include upgrading computer technology, adding personnel and boosting phone capacity. For more information about the NJDOL’s latest round of improvements and upgrades, click here.

NJ Dept. of Labor issues Guidance for Independent Contractors: Yesterday, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) issued new guidance to help self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and platform workers learn about, and apply for, economic assistance.

Assistance may be available to workers impacted by COVID-19 – but not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits – through two federal programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and possibly the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

The NJDOL has prepared two downloadable guides to help interested individuals. Click here for more information.

Governor Murphy Signs More COVID-19- Related Legislation into Law:

S2338 – Known as "COVID-19 Fiscal Mitigation Act", the measure changes the state tax deadline from April 15 to July 15 and lengthens the current fiscal year from July 1 to the end of September.

A3903 – The legislation would allow attorneys, clerks, judges, members of the state legislature, etc. to conduct notarial work remotely during the public health emergency.

S2333 – This bill provides protections from claims alleging injury or death against a health care worker providing medical service in support of the state’s response to COVID-19.

Latest NJ COVID-19 statistics: The number positive coronavirus test results in New Jersey has increased to a total of 71,030. The number of statewide coronavirus-related deaths is currently 3,156.

Good neighbor spotlight: New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) announced Monday, just 3 weeks into existence, has raised over $20 million in funds. NJRF is a non-profit organization to raise funds, organize and coordinate resources to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Click here for more information on NJPRF

Click here for information about NJPRF’s “JERSEY 4 JERSEY” star-studded benefit on April 22nd at 7:00 PM.

Testing Sites: There are currently 66 COVID-19 testing sites open across the state, including state-sponsored and private facilities. Click here to get updated information and locations of testing site facilities.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

All NJ residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 and resources available to them should visit: www.covid19.nj.gov

US Small Business Administration Loans: New Jersey’s small businesses and private non-profit organizations facing hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These working capital loans are designed to help small and most non-profits meet their ordinary and financial business obligations during the pandemic.

Applicants may apply online and download applications at https://www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

CARES Act: The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed in Congress are intended to assist small business owners with whatever needs they have right now. For more information on the small business owner’s guide to the CARES Act, click here.

Jobs and Assistance: A new online portal to provide information to impacted small business owners. The portal includes information on Executive Orders, regulations impacting small businesses and access to financial assistance from the US Small Business Administration (SBA).


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