Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce (MCHACC)

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COVID-19 RESOURCES

VALUABLE INFORMATION

INFORMATION FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

New Jersey Commences Payments Under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program

Covering Independent Contractors, Self-Employed, Sole Proprietors and "Gig" Workers

ELECTIONS

Apply for Mail-in Ballot & updated Primary Election timeline information.

News for New Jersey Business:

Dealerships can re-open today – by appointment only. Pharmacists to give COVID-19 tests. N.J. Chamber kicks off 'Buy NJ' campaign. Liability is a big question for colleges and for everyone.

An intelligence briefing for N.J. Chamber of Commerce members on how coronavirus is impacting your business, the economy and health in New Jersey.

Dealerships Can Open Today - The state is permitting in-person sales to resume at car, motorcycle and boat dealerships, as well as bike shops, by appointment only, and with social distancing and special sanitization requirements.

More Openings Coming - New Jersey may reopen outdoor dining and indoor shopping at so-called nonessential stores within "a matter of weeks," Gov. Murphy said. (nj.com)

N.J. Chamber Kicks off “Buy NJ” Campaign - The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today it is launching a “Buy NJ” campaign to urge companies and consumers to purchase their goods and services from New Jersey-based businesses, especially small businesses, as the state reopens and recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. (Insider NJ)

Support the Campaign - To promote the ‘Buy NJ’ campaign, put this postcard on your website and share it on social media.

Public Areas for Cocktails - A Cape May County town will allow patrons to sip takeout cocktails in certain public areas - just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. (nj.com)

Pharmacists to Give Tests - New Jersey pharmacists will be permitted to administer COVID-19 tests to customers, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced yesterday, paving the way for hundreds of pharmacies statewide to serve as testing sites.

The Fine Print on Elective Surgeries - With elective surgeries permitted to resume Tuesday, the state Health Department issued guidelines for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

Migrant Workers in South Jersey - More than 50 migrant workers at a farm in Gloucester County tested positive for COVID-19. With thousands more seasonal workers – expected to be living in cramped quarters – due to arrive in South Jersey, farmers still await safety guidelines from the state Department of Health. (NJ Spotlight)

Liability Is a Big Question for Colleges, and For Everyone - New Jersey colleges seek legal immunity if COVID-19 hits students or faculty this fall. (nj.com)

The CDC is Offering Guidance - As the economy gradually reopens, businesses will need to consider a variety of measures for keeping people safe. The CDC recently issued "interim guidance" contained in this report.

A Return-to-Work Playbook for Employers - Here is 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)

Who's Ready for Some Football? - The Giants and Jets likely can play football without fans amid coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Murphy says. (nj.com)

Get Covered - The Department of Banking and Insurance has launched the 'Get Covered New Jersey' public awareness campaign – which typically runs during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period – to promote health insurance options for residents whose health coverage is affected by the pandemic. For more information on health insurance coverage, click here.

Get Counted - New Jersey residents can respond to the 2020 Census to ensure the state gets its fair share of federal funding. The Census provides valuable data for businesses, including population trends, growth projections and demographic information. Spread the word! Respond to the Census.

N.J. Coronavirus Cases - New Jersey Residents

(Source: N.J. Health Department)

Total Deaths Reported: 10,586, up from 10,435 yesterday.

Total Positive COVID-19 Tests Reported: 149,013, up from 148,039 yesterday.

For data on hospitalizations and discharges, click here.

Resources

For information on applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, click here.

For information on applying for loan forgiveness on Paycheck Protection Program loans, click here.

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.

The state's jobs and hiring portal matches employers and candidates.

For employers to participate, click here.

New Jersey's website for information on all of the state's business resources during the pandemic.

New Jersey's website for up-to-date information about COVID-19.

Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim? - You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website – www.myunemployment.nj.gov. 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

To report a scammer or suspected price gouging, alert the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at http://njconsumeraffairs.gov.

The state set up a 24-hour hotline where health care professionals are answering questions about coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. From outside the state, call 1-800-962-1253.

What's next for schools? Gov. Murphy says a state budget disaster is weeks away. When the state tests people without symptoms, who will be first?

An intelligence briefing for N.J. Chamber of Commerce members on how coronavirus is impacting your business, the economy and health in New Jersey.

What's Next for Schools? - Schools are closed for the year. But there are still questions. What will happen with graduations? How will students be moved ahead? How is the technology gap being addressed? There is also the matter of summer schools. (NJ Spotlight)

Budget Victim - Gov. Phil Murphy’s pre-COVID-19 goal to create a state budget surplus in excess of $1 billion is a victim of the new coronavirus. “In the absence of significant federal assistance, we are on the brink of having to make very tough fiscal decisions, and a $1.28 billion surplus for this fiscal year is no longer realistic," Murphy said.

Looming Financial Disaster - New Jersey is facing a financial disaster that could be just weeks away due to a loss in revenue and a spike in expenses related to the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Murphy said. (nj.com)

Join Us for a Webinar with the Assembly Speaker Tomorrow, May 6 - Join the N.J. Chamber of Commerce and NJBIA as Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin shares his views on the New Jersey business community and the COVID-19 crisis. He will also take questions from the audience.

To register, click here.

Getting There - The first challenge of the day for essential workers is getting to work. The coronavirus has dramatically changed their commute. Some bus riders said they budget three hours for their commute – almost a half a day’s work before they even punch in. (nj.com)

When We Test Everybody, Who is First? - Testing on those without symptoms is ramping up. The Murphy administration wants to focus first on residential facilities and vulnerable communities that have paid a particularly high price in COVID-19 deaths. (NJ Spotlight)

In the Nursing Homes - The Murphy Administration is working to arrange for the National Guard to assist nursing homes overwhelmed by the coronavirus. State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said she envisions guard members assisting with site testing, janitorial services, cooking and serving meals, and performing administrative or logistical tasks. (nj.com)

Between the Flags - Though beach closures have been left up to Jersey Shore towns during the coronavirus outbreak, the state will soon provide guidance on beach restrictions, Gov. Murphy said. Jersey Shore towns may be able to restrict parking capacity — similar to restrictions placed on state parks — and there could be a limit on how many beach badges are sold, Murphy said. (nj.com)

It's a Global Struggle, Not a Storm that Can Be Waited Out - Princeton University President Chris Eisgruber said the school will wait until July to determine if it can fully reopen this fall. “The pandemic is not a storm that we can wait out, but, instead, a global struggle that demands the commitment and energy of our society and societies around the world,” he wrote in an open letter. (ROI-NJ)

Get Counted - New Jersey residents can respond to the 2020 Census to help ensure the state gets its fair share of federal funding, including money for hospitals and first responders.

N.J. Coronavirus Cases - New Jersey Residents

(Source: N.J. Health Department)

Total Deaths Reported: 7,910, up from 7,871 the previous day.

Total Positive COVID-19 Tests Reported: 128,269, up from 126,744 the previous day.

For data on hospitalizations and discharges, click here.

Resources

The N.J. Chamber of Commerce webinar with Neil Bradley, chief policy officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, provides valuable details on the federal loan programs designed to help businesses navigate the pandemic.(April 23)

The N.J. Chamber of Commerce webinar with state Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo provides vital information on the state unemployment insurance program and tips for applying. (April 16)

The N.J. Chamber of Commerce webinar with Al Titone, SBA district director of New Jersey provides vital information on SBA coronavirus relief loan programs. (April 14).

For information on applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, click here.

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.

The state's jobs and hiring portal matches employers and candidates.

For employers to participate, click here.

New Jersey's website for information on all of the state's business resources during the pandemic.

New Jersey's website for up-to-date information about COVID-19.

Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim? - You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website – www.myunemployment.nj.gov. 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

To report a scammer or suspected price gouging, alert the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at http://njconsumeraffairs.gov.

The state set up a 24-hour hotline where health care professionals are answering questions about coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. From outside the state, call 1-800-962-1253.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is staying on top of Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. For news media requests, please email Scott Goldstein.

Goldman Sachs, Pursuit to Provide $10 Million for New Jersey Small Business Loans

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Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program

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Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2020

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP IS HONORING HIS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS BY TEMPORARILY PAUSING IMMIGRATION

“By pausing immigration, we’ll help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens. So important. It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad.” – President Donald J. Trump

PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS: President Donald J. Trump is taking action to temporarily pause immigration and protect American workers as we confront the coronavirus.

President Trump is suspending new immigrant visas to put American communities and workers first as we move toward safely reopening the economy.
President Trump has a duty to ensure we help Americans regain their jobs and livelihoods.
This is a temporary pause demanded by the crisis we are facing as a Nation.

The pause will be in effect for 60 days, and the Administration will continue to monitor the labor market to amend or extend the proclamation if needed.
There will be exemptions for medical and other essential workers to combat the outbreak, spouses and minor children of American citizens, and certain other aliens.

President Trump is also asking his Administration to review guest worker programs to assess whether additional measures should be taken to protect American workers.

HELPING AMERICANS RECOVER: President Trump’s efforts will ensure we continue to put American workers first as we begin to reopen our economy.

American workers have been hurt through no fault of their own due to the coronavirus.
It would be unfair to allow Americans out of work due to the coronavirus to be replaced by new immigrant labor brought into the United States.
Mass migration of low-skilled labor into the United States disproportionately harms historically disadvantaged Americans.
African Americans and other minorities, Americans without a college degree, and others are especially harmed by an influx of foreign labor.

BACKED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE: The American people strongly support common sense efforts to restrict immigration as we confront the coronavirus.

Recent polling shows Americans strongly stand behind restricting immigration into the country during this crisis.

Nearly 80% of those polled said they favor a temporary pause on immigration into the United States, according to a recent USA Today/Ipsos poll.
As we face the challenges posed by coronavirus, a recent Pew Research Center poll found that 81% of Americans see mass immigration as a threat.
A recent Scott Rasmussen survey found that 70% of those polled agreed that the Government should place a temporary ban on foreign entry into the United States.

Even Democrats and liberal pundits used to warn against mass migration and advocate for protections for American workers.

Sen. Bernie Sanders in 2015: “You think we should open the borders and bring in a lot of low-wage workers, or do you think maybe we should try to get jobs for those [American] kids?”
Paul Krugman has said “Immigration reduces the wages of domestic workers who compete with immigrants. That’s just supply and demand.”
Then-Sen. Barack Obama warned that mass migration “threatens to depress further the wages of blue-collar Americans and put strains on an already overburdened safety net.”

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TelemundoNews

Dr. Deborah Birx speaks with @TelemundoNews “The President is very focused on maintaining the health of Americans.”

La Dra. Deborah Birx habla con @TelemundoNews (VIDEO): “El presidente está enfocado en mantener la salud de los estadounidenses.”

To retweet, click here.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams speaks with @TelemundoNews: “There is not going to be a single treatment, nor a single test that solves all problems.”

Director General de Salud Jerome Adams habla con @TelemundoNews (VIDEO): "No va a haber un tratamiento único, ni un examen único que resuelva todos los problemas"

Additional Updates and Resources

www.coronavirus.gov (Español)

President Trump’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again (HERE) (Español)

Migrant and Seasonal Farmers: U.S. Department of Labor announces $91.8 Million Funding Opportunity to Assist America’s Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (HERE)

Religious Practice and Social Distancing: Attorney General William P. Barr Issues Statement on Religious Practice and Social Distancing; Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest in Mississippi Church Case (HERE)

Loan Activity: Through April 13, 2020, the SBA has guaranteed 1,035,086 loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. For more information on loan activity, (HERE)

Child Care and Development Grant: The Administration for Children and Families to Release Funding to Support the Child Care and Development Block Grant (HERE)

Real Estate Transactions: Federal Banking Agencies to Defer Appraisals and Evaluations for Real Estate Transactions Affected by COVID-19 (HERE)