News Flash

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

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. 

June 29, 2020

• NJ Transit & Light Rail will be returning to a regular weekday schedule on July 6th
• Indoor dining will NOT be reopening on July 2nd
• NJ Malls & MVC Inspection Stations have reopened

By the Numbers:

• 399 new cases in New Jersey; 171,272 total
• 24 new cases in Union County; 16,377 total
• 44 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,138 total
• 1 new death in Union County; 1,145 total
• Berkeley Heights:
  • Numbers reflect June 28, 2020 as there was NO CHANGE on June 29, 2020
  • The total number of cases has decreased
  • 75 active cases (75 from VPI)
  • 208 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 283 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 978 people remain hospitalized
• 225 people are in critical condition
• 185 people are on ventilator

NJ Transit Trains & Light Rail return to a regular weekday schedule on July 6 - On July 6th, NJ Transit Trains and light rail service will return to a normal weekday schedule. The number of passengers is limited to 50% of capacity, and face coverings are mandated for all riders. Riders are encouraged to keep conversation to a minimum to limit potential spread of COVID-19. 

Indoor Dining is NOT reopening - Due to a recent spike in coronavirus cases in other states and negligent behavior at bars, indoor dining will NOT be reopening July 2nd. Indoor dining is currently postponed until further notice. 

Inside NJ Malls - NJ Malls have reopened at 50% capacity and require all visitors to wear face coverings. For information describing what shopping inside is like, check out the article. 

NJ Reopens MVC Inspection Stations  - Road tests have resumed, but in-person services at agencies are currently delayed. Agencies expect to reopen on July 7th, the date that drivers will be able to retrieve their new licenses. Face coverings are required for road tests. 

NJ Graduations to Reopen July 6th - Outdoor, highschool graduations will resume on July 6th. Seniors in Berkeley Heights and Mountainside will have their Graduation Gala on July 7th.

June 27, 2020

• Governor Murphy has issued reopening rules for NJ Schools and Indoor Dining

NJ School Reopening Rules:

• In the Classroom
  • Face coverings are required for teachers, staff, and visitors.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to wear masks, but they must wear them if they can’t maintain 6 feet of distance.
  • Students should be placed 6 feet apart. If not possible, Barriers should be installed and desks should face in one direction.
  • Shared objects like pencils, crayons, and paper, should be limited.
• On Buses
  • Bus arrival and drop-off times or locations should be staggered
• Meal times, physical education classes and recess:
  • Meal times must be staggered to allow for social distancing in shared cafeterias.
  • Recess must be staggered.
  • Schools should consider closing locker rooms
  • Students should wear appropriate clothes to participate in physical education classes without needing to change.
  • All extracurricular activities must comply with applicable social distancing requirements and hygiene protocol.
• Hand-Sanitizer
  • Hand-sanitizing stations should be located in each classroom, at entrances and exits of buildings and near lunchrooms and toilets.
• Exhibiting Symptoms
  • Students may be asked to leave school if exhibiting symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, chills, etc.
• Bathrooms
  • The number of students allowed in the bathroom will be limited

Alternating Schedules or split session plans will be left for schools to decide.

To view the comprehensive list of the rules, click the link at the end of the update.

Notable Indoor Dining Rules:

• All customers, except for medical exemptions, must wear face coverings unless they are eating
• Customers must remain seated while eating or drinking; they cannot walk around to other tables
• Tables/People must be separated by 6 feet

By the Numbers:

• 981 new cases in New Jersey; 170,873 total
• 25 new cases in Union County; 16,353 total
• 99 new deaths in New Jersey; 13,094 total
• 4 new deaths in Union County; 1,144 total
• Berkeley Heights: 
  • The total number of cases has decreased
  • 77 active cases (77 from VPI)
  • 208 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 285 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 1,103 people remain hospitalized
• 236 people are in critical condition
• 200 people are on ventilators

Gov. Murphy Issues NJ School Reopening Rules - Governor Murphy has announced a set of guidelines for schools to reopen in the fall. 

The New Rules for Indoor Dining - Governor Murphy has announced a set of guidelines for indoor dining, which is permitted to reopen on July 2nd.

N.J. unemployment claims rise - Since mid-March, N.J. has received $8.2 billion in federal and state benefits. Last week, 33,000 New Jersey workers applied for unemployment benefits , bringing the total to nearly 1.3 million. The state will be borrowing $1.7 billion from the federal government to support the Unemployment Trust Fund.

June 25, 2020

• On July 2nd, arcades, museums, aquariums, libraries, bowling alleys, shooting ranges, and batting cages will be permitted to reopen
• Individuals who are travelling to NJ from high-infection rate states like Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, or Washington (states are subject to change) must quarantine for 14 days to maintain NJ’s low transmission rate
• MVC Agencies will be REOPENING on June 29th

To recap, these are the places that can reopen on July 2nd:

1. Indoor dining
2. Casinos
3. Racetracks
4. Amusement parks
5. Playgrounds
6. Arcades
7. Museums
8. Aquariums
9. Libraries
10. Bowling Alleys
11. Shooting Ranges
12. Batting Cages

Please note that indoor venues (movie theatres, nightclubs, gyms) will remain closed.

• However, gyms will be able to host individual training sessions on July 2nd

By the Numbers:

• 158 new cases in New Jersey; 169,892 total
• 13 new cases in Union County; 16,330 total
• 46 new deaths in New Jersey; 12,995 total
• 1 new death in Union County; 1,140 total
• Berkeley Heights
  • 79 active cases (79 from VPI)
  • 208 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 54 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 287 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 1,182 people remain hospitalized
• 252 people are in critical condition
• 210 people are on ventilators

Joint Incoming Travel Advisory for NY, NJ, CT - To maintain low infection rates and falling hospitalizations, NY, NJ, and CT will establish a joint travel advisory. Individuals who come from states with high infection rates must quarantine for 14 days if they enter any of these three states.

9-State Travel Quarantine; Arcades, Museums to Reopen: - Currently, the affected states that residents must quarantine when they return to NJ include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Next week, arcades, museums, libraries, bowling alleys, shooting ranges, batting cages, will be permitted to reopen on July 2nd. 

MVC Agencies Reopen Next Week - On June 29th, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agencies will be able to reopen. It will be doing first time licenses, real ID licenses, license transfers, and more. 

NJ Gyms Can Offer Personal Training - On July 2nd, gyms/fitness centers will be able to offer “individual training sessions by appointment”. However, along with movie theatres, night clubs, concert venues, and other indoor venues, they must remain closed. 

June 23, 2020

• Indoor dining will be REOPENING on July 2nd
• Amusement parks, water parks, playgrounds, casinos, and racetracks will also be REOPENING on July 2nd
• Indoor capacity limits are increasing to 100, and outdoor capacity limits are increasing to 250
• County parks (Snyder, Passaic, Horseshoe in BH) have REOPENED

Meanwhile, the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department, Recreation Commission and the Board of Education have provided the following update to help residents understand which public recreation facilities are currently open and if there are restrictions in place. Fields must be reserved so please read all of the info at this link!

Enjoy the weather and support BH businesses!

By the Numbers:

• 900 new cases in New Jersey; 169,734 total
• 43 new cases in Union County; 16,341 total
• 92 new deaths in New Jersey; 12,949 total
• 4 new deaths in Union County; 1,139 total
• Berkeley Heights
  • Numbers reflect June 22, 2020 as there was NO CHANGE on June 23, 2020
  • 79 active cases (79 from VPI, with 73 from LTC)
  • 207 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 286 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 1,092 people remain hospitalized
• 307 people are in critical condition
• 216 people are on ventilators

Murphy Announces Plan to Restart Youth Sports Monday - Low-risk competitive youth sports such as golf and tennis can resume as early as Monday; Other youth sports that are considered medium or high risks of transmission of COVID-19 will be allowed to start up in the coming weeks.

Casinos, indoor dining can resume on July 2 - On July 2nd, casinos and indoor dining will be able to reopen at a 25% capacity. Social distancing will still be required at restaurants and casinos and more updates on safety measures will be provided in upcoming days.

N.J. racetracks to reopen - On July 2nd, racetracks will be able to reopen at a 25% capacity. Bets in-person will be permitted.

N.J. reopening amusement and water parks - On July 2nd, amusement parks, water parks, and playgrounds will be able to reopen at a 50% capacity. Social distancing will still be required for rides and other activities. Indoor recreation, like arcades, will receive an update soon. 

Increased Indoor and Outdoor Gathering Capacity Limits - Starting today, gathering capacity limits have increased. Indoor gatherings are still limited to 25% of the room’s capacity, but now have a maximum capacity of 100 people. Outdoor gatherings have a maximum capacity of 250 people. Outdoor religious services and political activities will not have any limits. 

N.J. Reopening Continues with salons, pools, youth sports - Outdoor, private swim pools will be able to open at 50% capacity. Additionally, camping and youth sports are now permitted.

A Recap: Here’s What’s Open – Wondering what’s opening and when? Check out this summary. (NJTV News via NJ Spotlight). 

New Federal Loan Program Is Coming – The federal government’s soon-to-open Main Street Lending Program will provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. See this guide for the latest info. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

June 21, 2020

• Long-term care facilities (LTCs) can now offer visits with loved ones outdoors. For Berkeley Heights LTCs Autumn Lake Healthcare and Runnells Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare, please call to check on protocols and availability for visitors.
• More BH restaurants, such as Marcello’s and Charkoal Portuguese Grill, have reopened.                                                                                    
• Malls will be permitted to reopen on June 29th.                                                                                                                                                                   

Restaurants are throwing their (out)doors open, as residents enjoy outdoor dining with family and friends. With more BH restaurants reopening, show your support by visiting them!

BH Restaurants currently open to outdoor dining:

• Dimaio’s 
• Delicious Heights
• Grain & Cain (soon expanding seating to The Grove area)
• Strega
• Trap Rock
• Sub Zone
• Charkoal Portuguese Grill
• Marcello’s 
• Station House Cafe (soon to open for outdoor seating)
• Zen Dim Sum (soon to open for outdoor seating)

Personal care facilities can begin reopening tomorrow, June 22, 2020. Have you scheduled your appointment for your hair cut, manicure, pedicure, massage, and more? Please call ahead to find out each businesses protocols, and be sure to wear your mask! As a reminder, these facilities include:

1. Cosmetology shops
2. Barber shops
3. Beauty salons
4. Hair braiding shops
5. Nail salons
6. Electrology facilities
7. Spas, including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedures are performed
8. Massage parlors
9. Tanning salons
10. Tattoo parlors  

Of course, don’t forget to patronize other BH businesses, such as our florists, hardware stores, chiropractic practices, etc., as well!

By the Numbers

Numbers reflect Saturday June 20, 2020 as there was NO CHANGE on Sunday, June 21, 2020

• 727 new cases in New Jersey; 168,834 total
• 24 new cases in Union County; 16,298 total
• 57 new deaths in New Jersey; 12,857 total
• 3 new deaths in Union County; 1,135 total
• Berkeley Heights:
  • 79 active cases (78 from VPI, with 73 from LTCs)
  • 206 closed cases (65 recovered from LTC, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 285 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 1,105 people remained hospitalized
• 278 are in critical condition
• 219 people are on ventilators

Beginning today, "LTC" will be included in "VPI," or "vulnerable population institutions."  VPI includes facilities such as long term care facilities (LTC), assisted living facilities, adult medical care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, correctional institutions, and hospice centers.

Outdoor Visitation with Long-Term Care Residents Can Begin Sunday, June 21 - Beginning on June 21, visitors will be permitted to visit long-term care facilities and meet their loved ones in an outdoor space. Visitors should contact the facility to schedule an appointment, under a directive issued over the weekend by the state Department of Health. The directive applies to: dementia care homes, long-term care facilities, pediatric transitional care homes, assisted living residences and programs, and comprehensive personal care homes. Only two visitors will be allowed at a time, and they must wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Indoor Portions of Retail Shopping Malls May Reopen on June 29 - Beginning on June 29, indoor portions of retail shopping malls are permitted to reopen to the public, according to an Administrative Order announced by the Governor over the weekend. All employees and customers must wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. Communal areas such as gyms, movie theaters, and indoor-dining will remain closed. Mall restaurants are restricted to takeout and delivery, but can provide in-person service outside of the mall. 

Restart Standards for New Jersey Colleges and Universities -The state has issued a 3 stage plan to reopen NJ colleges and universities. For college students, read this plan to discover what college life might be like in the fall.

June 18, 2020

• Indoor malls would be permitted to open starting June 29th
• Amusements and theaters within malls must remain closed
• All stores within the mall must operate at 50% capacity and follow all social distancing and face mask guidelines that are in place.
• Food courts within malls must remain completely closed.
• Restaurants within malls are permitted to do curbside pickup or where possible, outdoor dining.
• More guidance and information will be forthcoming as the date for reopening the indoor malls approaches.

By the Numbers

• 442 new cases in New Jersey; 168,107 total
• 18 new cases in Union County; 16,363 total
• 38 new deaths in New Jersey; 12,800 total
• 1 new death in Union County; 1,132 total
• Berkeley Heights: 
  • 97 active cases (92 in LTCs)
  • 187 closed cases (48 recovered from LTC, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 284 cases

Hospitalizations:

• 1,268 people remain hospitalized
• 319 people are in critical condition
• 257 people are on ventilators

College Life in the Coronavirus Era – The state yesterday issued guidelines for colleges and universities to reopen, such as requiring face coverings when inside, and permitting a combination of indoor, outdoor, and remote classes to allow for social distancing. In addition, the schools must submit restart plans for review by the state at least 14 days before staff or students return to campus. (nj.com)

Campuses Can Re-open as Soon as July – Beginning July 1, higher education institutions will be allowed to resume in-person sessions – as long as officials have approved their restart plans. Career and technical schools will also be able to restart July 1 with approved plans. Zakiya Smith Ellis, the state’s secretary of higher education, anticipates that many higher education institutions will adopt a hybrid of in-person and remote learning. (NJ Spotlight)

Information on K-12 Schools Coming Soon – Parents and educators will learn as soon as next week how pre-K through 12th grade schools in New Jersey will reopen, Gov. Murphy said. Murphy hinted that the classroom guidelines will involve everyone wearing masks and 6-feet of social distancing, which may require hybrid online and in-person schedules. (nj.com)

New Details on PPP Loans Forgiveness – Congress and the U.S. Treasury have changed the terms for loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). See this guide for the latest info. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

New Federal Loan Program Is Coming – The federal government’s soon-to-open Main Street Lending Program will provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. See this guide for the latest info. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

When Casinos Reopen, They’ll Be Ready – The reopening plan for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City features plexiglass at gaming tables, thermal cameras to take guests’ temperatures, face coverings while gambling and maintaining empty seats between slot machines. (nj.com)

June 16, 2020

As of Monday, June 15, restaurants in Berkeley Heights (and throughout New Jersey) were allowed to open for outdoor seating, to complement their curbside and takeout services. The Township has been working closely with all of our businesses to help them open safely. Personal care businesses considered "non-essential retail" can open next Monday, June 22. Please click here for a list of restaurants now offering outdoor seating/service, as well as those currently in the works. 

BH Restaurants currently open for outdoor dining:

• Dimaio’s
• Delicious Heights
• Gain & Cain (soon expanding seating to The Grove area)
• Trap Rock
• Sub Zone
• Charkoal Portuguese Grill (to be open for outdoor seating this week)
• Station House Cafe (soon to open for outdoor seating)
• Marcello’s (soon to open for outdoor seating)

Personal care service facilities can also reopen to the public on Monday, June 22 at 6:00 a.m., provided the facilities comply with standards issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs and Department of Health. Under the Governor’s Executive Order, personal care service facilities include:  

1. Cosmetology shops;
2. Barber shops;
3. Beauty salons;
4. Hair braiding shops;
5. Nail salons;
6. Electrology facilities;
7. Spas, including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedures are performed;
8. Massage parlors;
9. Tanning salons; and
10. Tattoo parlors.  

Here are the state standards for operations at personal care service facilities, like salons, tattoo parlors and massage parlors.

A Comprehensive Guide for Reopening – The U.S. Chamber’s return-to-work playbook can be found here.

Check out all BH and some NJ news on reopening here, at BerkeleyHeights.gov/Reopening

BH Summer ’Experience’ for Kids 

Parent Input needed for Summer Programs: ’Berkeley Heights Summer Experience’ Survey

Parents are asked to complete a quick survey to help the Township and Berkeley Heights Recreation plan for the 2020 Summer Experience. The regular Summer Playground Camp will not be offered this summer due to NJ’s current COVID-19 restrictions. "We are asking for help in determining how we can offer a summer program while adhering to the State’s socialization guidelines," said the Recreation Commission. 

Question can be directed to Berkeley Heights Recreation at: Recreation@bhtwp.com

Full article published in TAPinto Berkeley Heights.

Rental Assistance

The state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is pleased to announce the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which will provide temporary rental assistance to selected low and moderate income households who have experienced unemployment or reduced income due to the pandemic. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/cverap.html

Meanwhile...

• ’Stage 2’ of New Jersey’s Comeback Has Begun – Nearly three months after New Jersey went into near lock down to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the state has shifted into ’Stage 2’ of Gov. Phil Murphy’s multi-phase reopening plan on Monday as health officials watch closely for any possible spike in cases. The biggest change in the second phase is the reopening of outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, and allowing shoppers inside nonessential retail stores at half capacity. Murphy also issued several clarifications to the Stage 2 reopening plan on Sunday to include rules for curbside pickup for libraries, yard sales, real estate open houses and car washes. Those activities also resume today. (nj.com)
• Happy Birthday, America – New Jersey clears July 4th fireworks for liftoff. And towns have already begun rescheduling events. Outdoor special events, including legal firework displays, are permitted as soon as Monday as long as crowds are limited to 100 people, according to the governor. The limit on outside gatherings could increase to 250 people on June 22 and 500 people on July 3 if the downward trends in the state’s COVID-19 outbreak continues, Murphy said about a week ago. (nj.com)
• Here’s a list of July Fourth fireworks events
• The Current Situation – Here is a list of the businesses that may be opened and not opened. 
• "One Jersey Pledge"  – When N.J. reopens offices and businesses, they’ll have set standards to keep workers safe. As New Jersey businesses reopen their doors that had been shut due to the coronavirus pandemic, they will be asked to comply with standards to keep workers and customers save. Gov. Phil Murphy announced. The standards will be known as the “One Jersey Pledge,” which Murphy called “a pact between businesses and consumers on the hand, and employers and their employees on the other, and vice versa.” Click here for details on the “One Jersey Pledge” and links to signs that can be posted in workplaces and stores.
• The State Budget is Bad, But Not All Bad – The state Treasury disclosed a second straight month of a double-digit dip in year-over-year revenues, but income-tax and sales-tax collections are not as bad as some feared. As of Monday, Berkeley Heights’ tax collection rate was 97.87% - great job, BH!!!
• School is In! – Summer school can start July 6 in New Jersey, and it can be in person, Gov. Murphy said. Districts with in-person summer school programs must follow similar safety protocols as youth camps. That includes screening employees and students for COVID-19 symptoms, not admitting anyone with a fever over 100.4 degrees, requiring employees and students wear face coverings when social distancing isn’t possible, and staggering drop-off and pickup times, among other protocols. (nj.com)

By the Numbers

Source: N.J. Health Department - NJ COVID Dashboard 

(As of Monday, June 15)

Total Deaths Reported in NJ: 12,625, up from 12,443 Sunday

Total Positive COVID-19 Tests Reported: 166,881, up from 165,816 Sunday

For data on hospitalizations and discharges, click here

In Berkeley Heights (as of Monday, June 15):

• 94 active cases (92 in long-term care facilities (LTCs); 2 community cases)
• 189 closed cases (48 recovered from LTC; 53 LTC deaths; 4 community deaths)
• Total of 283 cases

June 10, 2020

Township, BOE Fields Open Beginning June 10

Beginning Wednesday June 10, some fields in Berkeley Heights will reopen for resident use. This includes the following fields that are considered Township Board of Education property:

• Memorial Park
• Upper and lower Columbia
• Governor Livingston
• Fields at schools

The County is still in talks to determine whether to open their fields at Snyder Avenue, Passaic and Horseshoe. A reminder that per Governor Murphy’s executive orders, organized youth sports in small groups only are not allowed to resume on fields until June 22. Basketball courts will also be open for shooting hoops only – full contact games are still not allowed; the risk of close contact and droplet exchange is still too high. As usual, all of the regular social distancing and personal hygiene rules remain in effect, per the Governor’s orders, such as:

• Always have hand sanitizer and use it frequently
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and others
• If social distancing isn’t possible, masks are encouraged
• Be sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow and not into the open air when other people are nearby
• Avoid congregating in large crowds

“We all agree that children and adults need additional recreational space,” said Mayor Angie Devanney. “The weather is warm, kids are finishing up with school. They need safe spaces to play. Parents, please stress the importance of your children following the rules so we can continue to open up amenities in our town.”

“As our school finishes up this very unique school year, we want to ensure the children have ample opportunities for recreation given these circumstances,” added Berkeley Heights School Superintendent Dr. Melissa Varley. “Opening up fields gives them additional spaces to play other than their homes, where they have been quarantined for three months. This is a step forward for them, as well as adults and the broader community.”

Meanwhile, the state has said outdoor recreation will be allowed to reopen (date forthcoming) with social distancing and face masks WITH THE EXCEPTION OF:

1.       NO waterparks

2.       NO playground equipment

3.       NO arcades

4.       NO amusement rides

Business Aid: Berkeley Heights Virtual Silent Auction Goes Live Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m.  

The bidding for the Virtual Silent Auction goes live on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. and will close on Sunday, June 14. The event is being hosted virtually by the Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights in partnership with the BHB&C in support of the Business Aid: Berkeley Heights relief grants.  Click here to preview items available for bid. To bid on items you are required to have an account with Silent Auction Pro and have a credit card on file. You may however view items up for bid without having an account. There is also mobile bidding available! 

Join and share the BHB&C Virtual Silent Auction event page for up-to-date information regarding the event. Read the rest of this article in TAPinto Berkeley Heights.

Meanwhile, the new Township Restaurant Review Committee is reviewing submissions by Berkeley Heights restaurants as they prepare to reopen with outdoor seating beginning June 15. The goal is to issue permits for new or expanded outdoor seating to these businesses as soon as they put proper and safe seating and COVID protocols into place, so that they can reopen as soon as possible. 

Reopening Berkeley Heights

Please be sure to visit the new section of our website dedicated to news about Reopening Berkeley Heights, at BerkeleyHeights.gov/Reopening. Here you can find news about outdoor dining guidelines and mandatory paperwork to submit to the Township to obtain necessary permits and permissions. Our new Restaurant Review Committee, made up of health, public safety, fire, zoning and administrative professionals are ready to work with our local restaurant owners and managers to help them safely open for outdoor dining beginning June 15! Plus, you can find all the latest headlines about reopenings in the state and Berkeley Heights. Please also be sure to sign up for updates from TAPinto Berkeley Heights for all the latest headlines. 

Murphy Lifts Limits on Indoor/Outdoor Gatherings, Pools, Houses of Worship, Political Protests

Governor Phil Murphy on Tuesday lifted his executive order requiring New Jersey residents to stay at home, and has lifted a limit on outdoor gatherings and indoor gatherings aimed primarily at accommodating the state’s faith-based communities and houses of worship. The orders are effective immediately.  Indoor gatherings are allowed at either 25 percent of a building’s capacity or at 50 people in total, whichever is lower. Attendees would be required wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Read more here. 

 Meanwhile...

• Graduation Ceremonies Can Have 500 People – New Jersey schools can plan to have as many as 500 people at outdoor graduation ceremonie beginning July 6, bringing long-awaited clarity to districts waiting to honor their seniors. (nj.com)
• Get in the Pool, But Not Everybody – When community pools are allowed to reopen in New Jersey on June 22, capacity must be limited to 50 percent, swimmers are asked to practice social distancing when in the water, and there will be no pool toys allowed. (nj.com)
• Spa Day – Gov. Murphy clarified Tuesday that nail salons in the Garden State will be allowed to reopen the same day as hair salons and barbershops. (nj.com)

Help for Businesses

• High Demand for Grants – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s $45 million grant program received 19,500 applications in the first few hours Tuesday morning from small businesses seeking grants of up to $10,000. (nj.com)
• Info on the NJEDA Grants – For more details and the application, click here.
• Loans for Microbusinesses – The NJEDA expanded eligibility for its program that offers loans of up to $50K to micro businesses and nonprofits.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Survival Guide has a complete listing of all of the coronavirus resources for small businesses.

By the Numbers

Berkeley Heights 

• 90 active cases (all 90 in long-term care facilities (LTCs))
• 189 closed cases (48 recovered from LTCs, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
• 279 cases total to date 

Click here for the state’s live data dashboard.

June 8, 2020

Doubles tennis and pickleball in Berkeley Heights is back!!! Barricades will be removed from courts and doubles games are allowed. HOWEVER, the same safety and hygiene precautions should be adhered to, such as:

• Bring hand sanitizer and frequently sanitize tennis/pickleball balls and hands
• Be sure to maintain at least 6 feet of distance in between yourself and others when waiting for courts
• Be sure to cough/sneeze into arm and not into the air or elsewhere
• Wear a mask if you feel more comfortable

ENJOY and PLEASE STAY SAFE so we can continue to open up more amenities in town!

Speaking of....Reopening Berkeley Heights!

Please be sure to visit the new section of our website dedicated to news about Reopening Berkeley Heights, at BerkeleyHeights.gov/Reopening. Here you can find news about outdoor dining guidelines and mandatory paperwork to submit to the Township to obtain necessary permits and permissions. Our new Restaurant Review Committee, made up of health, public safety, fire, zoning and administrative professionals are ready to work with our local restaurant owners and managers to help them safely open for outdoor dining beginning June 15! Plus, you can find all the latest headlines about reopenings in the state and Berkeley Heights. Please also be sure to sign up for updates from TAPinto Berkeley Heights for all the latest headlines! 

New Testing Site Hours

Click here to register for a COVID-19 test at the Kean University Test Site.

In Other News

• The Governor is expected to issue guidance tomorrow on the opening of public pools beginning 6/22
• The Division of Cosmetology is expected to issue guidance tomorrow on personal care businesses such as hair salons and nail salons (massage and tattoo businesses still TBA)
• The Department of Health is expected to issue guidance tomorrow on camps
• Guidance is forthcoming on Friday, June 12th on churches with the numbers allowed indoor expected to increase
• Motor Vehicle Commission is Getting Back on Track – There will be a phased-in reopening of Motor Vehicle Commission facilities on June 15. Some locations will be designated as ’licensing centers’ and some as ‘vehicle centers.’ The Commission has tripled road-testing capacity, adding 11 courses and reassigning over 100 road test examiners to address a backlog of people seeking driver’s licenses.
• Schools in the Fall – Face masks and temperature checks will be mandatory in Newark schools this fall, city officials said as they begin sharing plans for reopening schools. Newark schools may need to combine in-person and virtual learning, and students may be asked to come to class in shifts or on separate days. (NJ Spotlight)
• Act Fast on Grants for Small Businesses – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will begin accepting applications for its new grant program tomorrow, June 9, on a first-come, first-served basis. The $45 million program provides grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses impacted by the pandemic. For more details and a sample application, click here.
• All Nonprofits Can Apply – The NJEDA is encouraging all nonprofit organizations to apply for the grants. At its meeting tomorrow, the NJEDA Board will consider allowing all types of 501(c) non-profit organizations, including veterans organizations and business and industry groups, to qualify. Previously, only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(7) organizations were eligible.
• Tell the State What You Think – The state is requesting your input to better understand how to help businesses get back to work safely and productively. By filling out this online survey, you will help guide the state’s reopening strategy and upcoming business assistance opportunities
  
  

By the Numbers

• NJ - 356 (since previous day) new cases; 164,497
• NJ - 40 new deaths; 12,214 total
• Union County - 27 new cases; 16,241 total cases
• Union County - 2 new deaths; 1,100 total
• Berkeley Heights
  • 86 active cases (all  86 in long-term care facilities (LTCs))
  • 189 closed cases (48 recovered from LTCs, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths)
  • Total of 275 cases

Hospitalizations

• 1,740 hospitalization
• 498 ICU
• 361 on ventilators
• 94 admissions
• 112 discharges
• 356 new cases

Over 980 companies are hiring for over 53,000 jobs during this health crisis. Click here for job listings.

• Resources
  For the U.S. Chamber’s return-to-work playbook for employers, click here.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s report on reopening and preparing workplaces for COVID-19.
• The state’s PPE Supplier Registry connects suppliers of personal protective equipment with potential buyers. (Notice from the state: Parties are strongly advised to exercise due diligence when selecting vendors and are responsible for ensuring the quality and regulatory compliance of all goods/services purchased).
• For information on applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, click here.
• The U.S. Chamber’s guide to applying for loan forgiveness under the federal Paycheck Protection Program.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Survival Guide has a complete listing of all of the coronavirus resources for small businesses.
• The N.J. Economic Development Authority is offering assistance programs for New Jersey businesses. Information and applications can be found here.
• The IRS posted information on ’stimulus checks’ here.
• Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim? - You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website. Then follow these instructions:
  
    *   On the top of the page, scroll to the right for “Need Help” and unveil the drop-down menu
    *   Choose Send an Email
    *   Choose Email: Submit a message through the new online form.
    *   Follow the prompts

June 4, 2020

Governor Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed Executive Order No. 150, permitting outdoor dining starting on Monday, June 15^th, with an accompanying Executive Directive from the New Jersey Department of Health that lays out health and safety standards that food or beverage establishments are required to follow. In addition, the Governor announced a special ruling by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control creating a pathway for liquor license holders to expand the premises on which they may serve alcohol.

“Restaurants and bars throughout New Jersey have been immensely cooperative with necessary public health measures that were placed upon them while battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Allowing outdoor dining and the expansion of alcohol-serving areas will allow restaurants and bars to begin welcoming customers back while continuing to comply with necessary social distancing guidance.”

Berkeley Heights Township is working fast and furious with our business community to help them initiate or expand outdoor seating so that they can open up soon! The Township Council on Tuesday has an outdoor seating ordinance up for adoption; restaurants can submit their seating plans to our new Restaurant Review Committee for review and approval NOW so that they can hit the ground running when they get the green light! Please email our Board of Health secretary lpalumbo@bhtwp.com with questions. We will soon have all pertinent applications and documents related to reopening Berkeley Heights on a new "Reopening BH" section of our website - stay tuned for more on that!

We look forward to getting BH open safely again!!! #InThisTogether

And don’t forget our Friday night townwide clapouts/honk/pot bang for our healthcare and EMS workers! All Berkeley Heights residents are urged to walk outside onto their lawns EVERY Friday night at 7 p.m. when you hear the fire and police sirens to participate in the town-wide clap out to show appreciation for the health care workers at the long-term care (LTCs) facilities and emergency response workers. 

• Effective 6am on June 15, outdoor dining will be allowed
• There is extensive detail in the E.O. and from the Department of Health regarding spacing, safety, sanitizing, etc.
• The E.O. allows for the expansion of a restaurant’s footprint outdoors as per municipality allowances, meaning restaurants can move outdoor dining onto sidewalks and roadways, parking lots, etc., as each local government allows.
• For those establishments with a liquor license, in order to serve alcohol outdoors and to expand your service area allowance, a special permit has been created that must be applied for.
• The COVID-19 Expansion of Premises Permit allows for the expansion of current serving space as well as for the ability to serve alcohol at a location in close proximity to the restaurant.
• All ABC guidance will be attached to the recap email.
• The permit costs $75 dollars and this is a one-time fee (keep in mind the normal expenditure for expansion of a liquor license for an outdoor festival or event, etc., is $75 PER DAY – this ONE-TIME $75 dollar fee will cover restaurants thru November 30, 2020)
• Restaurants are permitted to allow dining at the same capacity OUTDOORS as they are permitted for INDOORS provided space allows for social distancing requirements.
• Once indoor dining resumes, the outdoor capacity can still remain in addition to their normal indoor capacity.

NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL

As of June 15^th, non-essential retail will be allowed with the following guidelines:

• 50% capacity
• Special shopping hours for those most vulnerable
• Regular sanitizing
• Protection for cashiers

The Governor also said the state needs to "directly and aggressively confront the challenge" of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Announcing that he wants to make New Jersey a national leader and national model, the governor listed recommendations, devised by Manatt Health, a company of 160+ attorneys and consultants in the healthcare industry, to improve New Jersey’s long-term care facilities. Click here for more info in TAPinto Berkeley Heights.

In Other News...

New Rules for Eating Out – New Jersey’s outdoor dining rules have been released: No more than eight people to a table. Plastic shields between you and the bartender. Servers bring food on a cart. Guests wait in the car for a table to open. Entry into the physical establishment is not allowed, except to access outdoor dining areas or a restroom. (NJBIZ)

Restaurants Can Get Creative – Local authorities can decide whether eateries and bars that don’t already have outdoor space can "get creative" and use parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and other areas for seating. The state will allow any establishment with a liquor license to apply for a one-time, special permit to serve alcohol outside. (nj.com)

The Details on Dining – The rules for restaurants are contained in this executive directive from the state Department of Health.

What Nursing Homes Need – New Jersey needs a better system to monitor the state’s nursing homes and more muscle to regulate the industry, says an expert report released yesterday. Nursing homes need additional funding to hire more staff and pay better wages and more state involvement when it comes to infection control protocols. (NJ Spotlight)

More on the Nursing Home Report – Here are the recommendations from the review of New Jersey’s long-term care facilities.

New Jersey is a Hotspot for Coronavirus Research – New Jersey, with its concentration of research universities, pharmaceutical companies and teaching hospitals, is a hotspot for coronavirus research. Rutgers has more than 25 research projects underway. Princeton University has announced at least a dozen. (nj.com)

Act Fast on Grants for Small Businesses – The NJEDA will begin accepting applications for its new grant program on June 9 – on a first-come, first-served basis. The $45 million program will provide grants up to $10,000 to small businesses impacted by the pandemic. For more details and a sample application, click here.

A Return-to-Work Playbook for Employers – Here you can find sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other resources to help employers and employees return to work safely  and successfully. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

By the Numbers

• NJ - 603 new cases; 162,530
• NJ - 92 new deaths; 11,970 total
• Union County - 30 new cases; 15,953 total cases
• Union County - 2 new deaths; 1,088 total
• Berkeley Heights
  • 72 active cases; 70 of which are from long-term care facilities (LTCs)
  • 187 closed cases (48 from LTCs & recovered, 53 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths
  • Total of 259 cases

Hospitalizations

• 1,982 people are hospitalized
• 537 people in critical condition
• 406 people are on ventilators

June 1, 2020

On June 15^th, New Jersey will begin to enter Phase 2 of reopening; this will include the following:

• Outdoor dining
• In-store retail for non-essential businesses with limited capacity
• Personal care businesses - barbers, hair salons, nail salons, etc.  
• Gyms and health clubs
• Re-opening of the DMV

Outdoor dining and in-person retail shopping will be allowed starting June 15, while personal care businesses such as barbershops and hair salons will be able to open a week later, Governor Murphy announced today. Youth summer programs will also be permitted to start on July 6 during what Murphy calls Stage 2 of New Jersey’s road back from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the period to follow, New Jersey will work toward the gradual opening of personal care, gyms, and health clubs, at reduced capacities as the stage progresses. All of these activities will be allowed pursuant to strict health and safety guidelines that will be issued in the coming days.

Township officials and our public safety officials are working with the Recreation Department, Board of Education and local businesses to determine next steps for the above programs. We will provide programming details to our residents as soon as we have more clear guidance from the state and know exactly what we have to do to get these businesses and activities off the ground again.

In Other News...

• A new small business grant program will make available $45 million to businesses with up to 25 employees; up to $10,000 for each eligible business; more business types will be eligible in this round.
• Child Daycare Guidelines - When child daycare centers in New Jersey reopen on June 15, they’ll be required to conduct temperature checks on both kids and staff, and limit class sizes. Children will be encouraged - though not required - to wear masks. Here are the new guidelines. (nj.com)
• The CDC recently issued recommendations for employers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus when they reopen their offices. Among them: temperature and symptom checks for employees; place desks six feet apart or consider erecting plastic shields; remove seats in common areas; and wear face coverings at all times.
• Six Flags Safari Adventure has reopened. And you can drive your own car through the Safari, like guests used to before vehicles were phased out in 2012. (nj.com)
• Berkeley Heights Businesses: Tell the State What You Think - The state is requesting your input to better understand how to help businesses get back to work safely and productively. By filling out this online survey, you will help guide the state’s reopening strategy and upcoming business assistance opportunities.

By the Numbers

• NJ - 509 new cases (from previous day); 160,918
• NJ - 27 new deaths; 11,721 total
• Union County - 23 new cases; 15,858 total cases
• Union County - 1 new deaths; 1,074 total
• Berkeley Heights - no new cases since Tuesday, May 26. 
  • 63 active cases; 62 of which are from long-term care facilities (LTCs)
  • 187 closed cases (48 from LTCs & recovered, 52 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths
  • Total of 250 cases

Hospitalizations

• 2,344 people are hospitalized
• 646 are in critical condition
• 469 are on ventilators
• 36 people were admitted
• 160 people were discharged

May 31, 2020

Following Governor Murphy’s signing of Executive Order No. 149, which will reopen childcare centers in the State of New Jersey beginning June 15, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families released specific operating guidance for centers in order to preserve the health and safety of children, staff and the families being served.

Over the weekend, Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 149, allowing the resumption of child care services, youth day camps, and organized sports. This Order rescinds the emergency child care program under Executive Order No. 110 as of June 15, and permits child care centers to resume normal operations on or after June 15, subject to their compliance with COVID-19-specific health and safety standards. Additionally, youth day camps can open on or after July 6, and must comply with COVID-19-specific health and safety standards.

After hearing of Murphy’s announcement Friday on camps and youth sports, Berkeley Heights Township is working with the Recreation Department, Recreation Commission, BH Police Athletic League (BHPAL), BH Youth Soccer Club, (BHYSC) and Berkeley Heights Board of Education on programming for the next few months.

The Township is also in discussion with our Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Rescue Squad, and Department of Public Works on how to safely open up these locations for this programming in the near future.

“We want to ensure that as things open up, we do it safely and in the best interest of our residents,” said Mayor Angie Devanney. “There is nothing more important than the well-being of our community. We understand people are anxious to prepare to play organized sports; please help us by abiding by the rules and being safe, so we can continue to open up more activities and programming.”  

Please remember that no matter what activity our residents are participating in, they must adhere to the 6-foot social distancing rule, unless you are with family members, members of your household, or romantic partners. Please bring hand sanitizer with you at all times and sanitize frequently when hand washing isn’t possible. And if you are engaging in an activity in which social distancing is not possible, masks are encouraged. Parents, we are relying on you to convey these important messages to your children. Thank you all, for your cooperation!

In other news:

• The state announced the immediate availability of up to $20 million in grants to assist child care centers and youth camps in meeting health and safety guidelines in response to COVID-19. Child care centers can receive up to $5,000, while youth camps can receive up to $2,000.
• New Chapter for Health Care is Emerging - Hospitals around the state are pivoting to a "new normal." They are implementing new protocols and physical renovations as they transition to again care for non-COVID-19 patients while preparing for the prospect of a virus resurgence in the fall. (nj.com)
• Deadline Extended For Property Tax Appeals - The deadline to file a property tax appeal has been temporarily extended  to July 1, 2020, and the deadline for county boards of taxation to render decisions in tax appeal cases has been temporarily extended to Sept. 30, 2020, under legislation (A4157) signed by Gov. Murphy. The bill takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to April 1, 2020.
• Buy From New Jersey Businesses - To promote the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Buy NJ’ campaign, put this ’postcard’ on your website and share it on social media with the hashtags #BuyNJ and #BuyLocalNJ.
• Tell the State What You Think - The state is requesting your input to better understand how to help businesses get back to work safely and productively. By filling out this online survey, you will help guide the state’s reopening strategy and upcoming business assistance opportunities.

By the Numbers

• NJ - 1,261 new cases (from previous day); 157,815
• NJ - 66 new deaths; 11,401 total
• Union County - 61 new cases; 15,475 total cases
• Union County - 5 new deaths; 1,047 total
• Berkeley Heights - no new cases since Tuesday, May 26. 
  • 63 active cases; 62 of which are from long-term care facilities (LTCs)
  • 187 closed cases (48 from LTCs & recovered, 52 LTC deaths, 4 community deaths
  • Total of 250 cases

Hospitalizations

• 2,797 people hospitalized
• 740 in critical condition
• 564 people on vents
• 365 new admissions
• 287 discharges