This article originally appeared on the Morristown Patch
MORRISTOWN, NJ — The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Morristown, including the closure of schools and many businesses.
The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced.
SCHOOLS
All schools in New Jersey will remain closed through at least April 17 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.
BUSINESS
The Morristown community has responded to help floundering businesses. One group has created a page that encourages people to get takeout from local restaurants. There was also a drive to purchase gift cards to support local businesses.
CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES
The VA medical facility was shut down until further notice.
HOSPITALS
Many have leapt in to help provide personal protection equipment to local hospitals. This comes amidst reports there might not be enough beds available for patients.
Here’s what else you should know:
President Donald Trump declared New Jersey a major disaster area on Thursday as Murphy, speaking during a press conference, announced a stunning increase in coronavirus cases: 2,492, as well as 19 more deaths. You can watch it here: NJ ‘Major Disaster’ Area: 2,492 New Coronavirus Cases, 19 Deaths
Statewide student assessments have been cancelled as schools remain closed due to the outbreak. Read more: NJ Cancels Statewide Student Assessments Due To Coronavirus
Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday that he’s ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. He also announced that the state has 736 more positive tests and 18 more deaths, including four in Ocean County. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Statewide student assessments also have been cancelled as schools remain closed due to the outbreak. Read more: NJ Cancels Statewide Student Assessments Due To Coronavirus
On Tuesday night, Murphy announced that he’s allowing five more types of businesses in New Jersey to operate during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy: More NJ Business Can Now Open In Coronavirus Crisis
Murphy also announced the launch of a new online portal to connect New Jersey residents with jobs in critical industries responding to COVID-19. Read more: Companies ARE Hiring: NJ Launches Online Job Portal
The Murphy administration froze nearly $1 billion in spending on Monday, March 23 for many programs you may need. The state tax deadline also may be extended. Read more: NJ Freezes Nearly $1B in Spending, Citing Coronavirus Crisis
New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don’t miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
Here’s what else you should know:
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State health officials said they believe the virus is “community-spread” in New Jersey. “Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us,” Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be ‘Community-Spread’ In NJ
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Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ ‘Stay-At-Home’ Order Due To Coronavirus
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On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
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Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
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Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
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The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
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New Jersey’s courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
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Rabner also announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
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The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it’s also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
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Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
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Murphy also has signed 16 bills into law that he says will help the state deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 16 Coronavirus Bills Into Law
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