• As of today, we have 188 confirmed cases in Newark (up from 155 yesterday, with no additional deaths); ¬¬¬826 in Essex County (up from 608 yesterday); 8825 in New Jersey (up from 6876 yesterday); and a total of ¬¬108 deaths in the State.
• Here in the City of Newark, we now have a service where you can sign-up to receive Coronavirus updates to your cell phone. Text COVID to 511511 to opt-in for these messages. You will begin receiving them next week but you can sign up now.
• Reminder that people need to follow the shelter-in-place order. Confirmed cases rise daily, people are still out here getting sick, and yes some people are recovering but some may not be able to. So we must adhere to this and STAY HOME. It’s for the good of everyone individually and collectively.
• Again, there are exceptions for when you can leave home: to get food, to see a doctor, to pick up prescriptions, to walk your dog, to get fresh air on your property, or if you are an essential employee.
• We have to stay home to stop the spread and save lives. Mayor Baraka cannot stress this enough.
• Remember the new normal right now is to practice social distancing, wash your hands, cough in your sleeve. All of these things will help keep you, your family, and our community safe.
• Small Business:
There was a very informative small business webinar. If you were not able to join, the recording will be made available on the InvestNewark website at www.investnewark.org.
o If you have a small business and have been impacted by COVID-19, please visit www.uwnewark.org beginning MONDAY to submit an application for our small business grant program. Applications for the fund will open on.
o As mentioned yesterday, the City will offer about 200 business grants up to $10,000 to provide working capital for operating costs, payroll, accounts payable, inventory, equipment, rent, taxes, licensing or other business-related expenses.
o There’s qualification criteria that you must meet but please do explore this opportunity.
• Today, we’re announcing that the City has negotiated with several properties to secure housing for people without permanent housing and others who may otherwise be unable to self-quarantine, such as elderly in senior housing who have tested positive and risk infecting others. The locations are throughout Newark, and staffed with on-site medical and food services.
• And last, remember that Newark Counts. Don’t forget to fill out your Census form. You can go online at www.2020census.gov or do it over the phone.
o Being counted allows us to get federal dollars into our community to help fund things like schools, roads, health clinics, SNAP benefits, etc. Newark Counts but it takes each household to make sure that stands true.
o The number to call for English is 844-330-2020.
Spanish: 844-468-2020
French: 844-494-2020
Haitian Creole: 844-477-2020
Portuguese: 844-474-2020
And an entire list of toll-free numbers can be found on our website at newarknj.gov
• Mayor Baraka is counting on us in all ways. We’re going to get through this, but we have to get through it together. Be safe this weekend. Be creative. Be productive. Get rest. Check on your loved ones. Thank you for tuning in and God bless you.
