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States Will Aggregate Demand for PPE, MedicalEquipment and Testing on a Regional Basis

Regional Supply Chains Will Help Realize Better Pricing, Delivery and Reliability of PPE and Medical Equipment for States

May 3, 2020

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, Delaware Governor John Carney, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker today announced a joint multi-state agreement to develop a regional supply chain for personal protective equipment, other medical equipment and testing.

While the states will continue to partner with the federal government during this global and national public health crisis, they will also work together to identify the entire region’s needs for these products, aggregate demand among the states, reduce costs and stabilize the supply chain. The states will also coordinate policies regarding the inventory of PPE each state’s health care infrastructure should have to be prepared for a possible second wave of COVID-19. The states will also coordinate policies on what supplies local governments should have on hand for their First Responders, and if any requirements regarding PPE for the non-for-profit and private sector are needed.

The states will then seek to identify suppliers within the country, region or state who can scale to meet the demand of the entire region over the next three months. The goal of this approach is to decrease the potential for disruptions in the supply chain for PPE and medical equipment, including sanitizer and ventilators, and testing, and promote regional economic development.

In addition, the states are discussing how to collectively explore emerging technologies on an ongoing basis to take advantage of the potential associated with alternative methods of production for existing products and innovation that would lead to more effective and/or less expensive alternatives. For example, 3D Printers may represent an attractive alternative to manufacturing certain personal protective equipment and medical products.

“Our states should never be in a position where we are actively competing against each other for life-saving resources,” Governor Murphy said. “By working together across the region, we can obtain critical supplies as we begin the process to restart our economies, while also saving money for our taxpayers. This concept is at the heart of the regional approach we’ve established.”

Governor Cuomo said, “The COVID-19 pandemic created a mad scramble for medical equipment across the entire nation – there was competition among states, private entities and the federal government and we were driving up the prices of these critical resources. As a state and as a nation we can’t go through that again. We’re going to form a regional state purchasing consortium with our seven northeast partner states to increase our market power when we’re buying supplies and help us actually get the equipment at a better price. I want to thank our neighboring states for their ongoing support, generosity and regional coordination on these important efforts.” 

Governor Lamont said, “With global supply chains continuing to experience a major disruption due to the pandemic, combining the efforts of our states into a regional purchasing initiative will help our states obtain needed PPE and other medical equipment without competing against each other. I’ve long been advocating for the federal government to get involved because pitting all 50 states against each other to compete for these supplies has never made any sense. Partnering with our neighbors helps make our purchasing power stronger and more dependable.”

Governor Wolf said, “By working together we can combine our strengths to build the capacities we all need. We can exploit our market size to encourage producers to make what we need, we can exploit our financial strength to give that encouragement added weight, and we can exploit the great research institutions and the brainpower in our region to increase our chances of success. I look forward to working with my fellow governors—and my neighbors-to build a strong regional supply chain.”

Governor Carney said, “We need a consistent approach for moving our states out of this crisis, and that includes ensuring a sufficient supply of PPE and tests. I’m thankful for this coordination with my fellow Governors in the region. We’ll be better positioned to continue tackling this crisis working together with the states around us.”

Governor Raimondo said, “Our healthcare workers should never have to worry if we have enough PPE to keep them safe. Over the past two months, we’ve been scouring the earth for supplies and have worked hard to meet the demand on the frontlines. We know that, in order to safely reopen the economy, we need a long-term supply of PPE for all critical infrastructure workers. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with states across the region in order to build and maintain a steady, reliable and affordable supply of PPE.”

Governor Baker said, “Massachusetts looks forward to working with other states to identify more options for PPE procurements for our health care workers and public safety personnel.” 

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks during his Friday, May 1, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy puts his mask back on at the end of his Friday, May 1, 2020, press conference at War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, on the State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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April 22, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

• Daniel Lurie, 48, of Hampton, N.J., was arrested on April 19 by the New Jersey State Police on charges of terroristic threats during an emergency (2^nd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4^th degree), obstruction (4^th degree), and violating the emergency orders.  State troopers were called to Lurie’s residence on a “medical assist” after Lurie called 9-1-1.  When troopers arrived, Lurie was combative.  He allegedly stated he had the coronavirus and spat and coughed on troopers.  He was arrested and taken to the hospital.

Bias Incidents

• Afrim Haxhaj, 30, of Jackson Heights, N.Y., was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Fort Lee Police Department with bias intimidation (4^th degree) and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense).  Haxhaj allegedly confronted a Jewish man in a Dunkin Donuts in Fort Lee on Monday, April 20, and told him to get out, saying Jews are responsible for the coronavirus. He allegedly warned the victim not to return.  When the victim returned to the Dunkin Donuts yesterday, Haxhaj allegedly threatened him again, saying he does not want Jews in his neighborhood and bumping his chest into the victim.  The victim left and called 9-1-1.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

• Robert Murphy, 19, of Bayville, N.J., was charged by the Morris Plains Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office with attempted aggravated sexual assault (2^nd degree), endangering the welfare of a child (3^rd degree), and violating the emergency orders.  Murphy allegedly had arranged to meet an underage girl last night, April 21, at Community Park in Morris Plains for sexual activity.  He had contacted the girl through social media.  The victim’s parents became aware in advance and alerted police, who arrested Murphy when he showed up at the park at about 11 p.m.

• Tyriese J. Reddick, 30, of Gloucester Township, was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Gloucester Township Police with four counts of burglary (3^rd degree) and violating the emergency orders.  Reddick allegedly broke into four vehicles in a neighborhood in Gloucester Township and took money from them.  He also was wanted on warrants in the City of Camden.

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances

• Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 29 summonses for violations of the emergency orders in enforcement actions yesterday, April 21.

• Michael Masi, 47, of Branchburg, was charged yesterday afternoon, April 21, by the Plainfield Police Department with violating the emergency orders.  Police were called to  Michael Anthony Auto Sales on Richmond Street in Plainfield on a report of a dispute.  When police arrived, they found people in the lot shopping for a car and three customers inside attempting to buy a car.  Masi said he was making “curbside auto sales.”

• Andres Torres, 31, and Jose Nolasco, 51, of Union City, were charged with violating the emergency orders on April 18 by the Union City Police Department.  Torres owns La Roca supermarket on Bergenline Avenue in Union City.  Police conducted a walk-through and found more than 50 people in the grocery store, with customers crowding around certain sections of the store. This had occurred on at least two prior occasions and the business was warned about occupancy limits.  Nolasco is the store manager.

• Shmuel Hirth, 49, Asher Jacobs, 23, Shmuel Weneintraub, 21, Pinchos Sinsky, 19, Shcomo Rosenfeld, 18, Arych Penstien, 22, Yuhuda Bronspigez, 25, and Rivka Jacobs, 47, were charged yesterday by the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with violating the emergency orders.  Police responded to a report of a school that was open in the first block of Drake Road.  Police found a group of male students at the school who had been given permission to study there by the head of the school, Shmuel Hirth.  Rivka Jacobs is the mother of one of the students, who is a juvenile.

• Yakov Makukha, 40, Pinchos Aron, 25, Miriam Aron, 33, Yehudah Aron, 36, Tziporah Aron, 33, Yaakov Wiesner, Peninah Wiesner, 30, Ephraim Aron, 34, and Shmarya Aron, 20, were charged yesterday, April 21, by the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with violating the emergency orders.  Police responded to Read Place on a report of a back yard wedding.  Officers found a van in the driveway occupied by two adults and three children. The driver advised that she was there for family photos for a wedding. In the back yard, there was a photographer, Yakov Makukha, photographing a family of six.  Summonses were issued to all of the adults who were present.

• Alexander Ellinson, 64, of Lakewood, was charged yesterday, April 21, with disorderly conduct.  As the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office were investigating a report of a large gathering at a home on 8^th Street, Ellinson, a neighbor, pulled up in his SUV and began yelling at police about their actions at his neighbor’s house.  He continued to yell and nearly struck an officer as he drove away. Police stopped him and issued a summons.

• William Teachen, 59, of Metuchen, was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Metuchen Police with obstruction and violating the emergency orders, both disorderly persons offenses.  An officer found Teachen riding his bicycle along the Middlesex County Greenway, a closed county park, and told him to exit the park.  Teachen allegedly failed to comply and rode away.  After the officer activated his siren and exited his vehicle to request identification, Teachen allegedly tried to ride past the officer, disobeyed commands, and had to be physically removed from his bicycle.  The park entrances are taped off and there are signs indicating the park is closed

• Dajour Clybourn, 23, of Bridgeton, was charged yesterday by the Bridgeton Police with resisting arrest, obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating the emergency orders, all disorderly persons offenses.  Police responded to a report that Clybourn was panhandling and harassing another person.  Clybourn ran away when officers arrived.  When police apprehended her, they allegedly found a crack cocaine pipe in her possession.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders or local ordinances and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “One month after Governor Murphy issued his emergency orders, we are flattening the curve and saving lives, because the vast majority of our residents are conscientiously obeying the social distancing rules and doing their share to fight COVID-19,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Unfortunately, there are still those who violate the orders, risking the further spread of this deadly virus.  What is worse, there are some who deliberately threaten our brave police officers, medical personnel, and other essential workers, impeding their vital work.  Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency.”    “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting and threatening law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Eighteen additional defendants, including Daniel Lurie, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults or threats against law enforcement officers, medical personnel, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.

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As Holiday Weekend Begins, Attorney General Grewal and Colonel Callahan Urge New Jersey Residents to Stay Home and Stay Safe

Daily Update Issued on Charges Filed Against Violators of Governor’s COVID-19 Orders

April 11, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, today urged all New Jersey residents to do their part to beat the COVID-19 pandemic by staying home and maintaining social distance during this holiday weekend, as law enforcement continues to strictly enforce Governor Murphy’s emergency orders.

“It is hard this holiday weekend to miss loved ones and forego traditional family get-togethers, but it is absolutely critical that we all stay home and maintain social distance,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “There are indications that these measures are indeed flattening the curve of this pandemic in the U.S., but if we let our guard down now by traveling for holiday gatherings, more lives will be put at risk.  The vast majority of New Jerseyans are doing the right thing by following the emergency orders.  As for the few violators, we will continue to hold them accountable with strong enforcement efforts this weekend.  I urge you to support our courageous officers, who are on the frontlines of this battle, by not creating more work and risks for them during the holidays.”

“This holiday weekend is traditionally a time for many New Jersey residents to come together for religious services and family gatherings, but we are not currently living a traditional lifestyle,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It is imperative that we continue to work together to practice social distancing and travel only when necessary. These preventative measures are proving to be effective, but we must stay the course to ensure the safety of everyone as we continue to move in the right direction towards flattening the curve.”

Attorney General Grewal and Colonel Callahan announced the following recent enforcement actions against violators of Governor Murphy’s Emergency Orders related to COVID-19:

• Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 25 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered two non-essential businesses closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 10.

• William Wolverton, 50, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged yesterday, April 10, with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency in connection with his arrest on April 1. While being processed on weapons and drug charges, Wolverton was told he was being charged on a warrant and would be lodged in the county jail.  Wolverton allegedly said he was COVID-19 positive and was going to infect everyone in the station.  He refused to submit to fingerprints, spat on the floor and toward an officer, and refused to comply with booking procedures.

• Miles Costabile, 21, of Hamilton (Mercer County), was charged early today by the Robbinsville Police Department with second-degree terroristic threats and DWI.  Costabile was taken into custody for DWI after he crashed into a fence.  While being processed at police headquarters, he allegedly coughed at officers and stated that he had COVID-19. 

• John R. Mason, 34, , and Shaheeda Hobdy, 32, of Glassboro, were charged by the Glassboro Police on April 7 with endangering (third degree) and disorderly conduct.  Police responded to a report of a large party at the defendants’ apartment and learned that they were holding a birthday party for a child with 15 to 20 people present, including several small children.

• Karin E. Fialka, 47 of Whitehouse Station, was charged yesterday, April 10, with violating the executive orders for opening her business, Up In Smoke Vape Shop on U.S. Route 202 in Raritan Township, after she was previously warned that she needed to close the shop.

• Kenneth D. Robles, 40 of Cherry Hill, was charged by the Pennsauken Police on April 9 with violating the executive orders for opening his business, Top Notch Barber Shopin Pennsauken.  He was cutting a client’s hair with the windows covered and a roll-down gate over the door.

• Aziah Hansford, of Passaic, was charged by the Passaic Police on April 9 with disorderly conduct.  He was involved in a fight on Market Street.  When police arrived, he allegedly told an officer he had the coronavirus and hoped that the officer would get it from their interaction.

• Alex Nugent, 19, of Randolph, and Christopher Aro, 19, of Stanhope, were charged with violating the executive orders and possession of marijuana, both disorderly persons offenses, after their vehicle was stopped by police in Stanhope on April 8 for a motor vehicle violation.

• Elizabeth Enforcement. The Elizabeth Police Department’s issued five summonses for violations of the emergency orders in enforcement actions on Thursday, April 9.

• Mahmud Ibn-Dawud, 63, of Elizabeth, was charged yesterday, April 10, by the Elizabeth Police Department with violating the emergency orders for refusing to leave a city park.

• Pearl Moore, 54, of Elizabeth, was charged yesterday, April 10, by the Elizabeth Police Department with violating the emergency orders for loitering outside without a legitimate purpose after being warned.

Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses.

On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six individuals who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense and carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Defendants Wolverton and Costabile are similarly charged for their conduct against law enforcement officers.

Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation

The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior.

No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

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April 14, 2020

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has made a series of moves – from upgrading computer technology to adding personnel and boosting phone capacity – to get unemployment claims processed faster and customers’ questions answered quicker.  The announcement comes as record numbers of unemployment claims continue to flood the New Jersey Labor Department, and labor departments across the country. “I feel it in the pit of my stomach for every worker’s claim we haven’t gotten to yet,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We are paying benefits to nearly 300,000 New Jerseyans, but that is of little consequence if your claim isn’t one of them. Our entire staff empathizes with your frustration and uncertainty. That’s why we have been working around the clock to find solutions to common problems weighing on the system.” Here is a list of the measures that have been, or are about to be, implemented to improve customer service at the Department:           

• The first batch of supplemental unemployment payments has processed and distributed, getting an extra $600 into claimants’ pockets just after the holidays. Some 258,062 unemployed residents are seeing this money in their accounts yesterday and today, for a total of $154.8 million in payouts. 

• Some 166,000 residents — more than 60% of those waiting for an agent to review their unemployment application — have had their claim processed, thanks to updated IT programming. This enabled these applicants to receive a quick determination of their eligibility. Going forward, this same percentage of claims formerly requiring an agent review will be entered directly into the system as a result of this significant upgrade. 

• Hundreds of laptops have been delivered and configured and hundreds more are arriving this week, allowing additional claims agents and support staff to work from home, which will speed processing time for claims requiring agent review, and allow more staff to triage customer questions.    

• A document explaining the benefits process for independent contractors and freelancers will be posted on our website today, guiding this group through the process to collect their Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments as soon as possible. This will reduce a significant volume of phone and email inquiries. 

• An intelligent automated reply to emails has been deployed so that whenever someone sends an email, they receive a reply specific to their inquiry directing them to the appropriate Labor’s FAQs, pin reset and solutions to other common questions. This will relieve stress for customers who have been waiting for an email reply and provide them with steps they can take on their own.  

• The capacity of the call centers was expanded Wednesday to provide additional inquiry lines. Prior to this upgrade, tens of thousands of callers were met with dead air, or a dial tone, because the system was beyond its capacity. This is no longer happening. Additionally, more callers are able to provide their information over the phone.  

• An automated pin reset function has been developed, which eliminates a common reason for applicant calls. 

• The Appeal Tribunal has been set up to conduct virtual appeal hearings, alleviating delays for customers who were denied unemployment benefits and are appealing the decision. 

“The unceasing efforts of our Division of Information Technology and Unemployment Insurance staff, coupled with the assistance of the Office of Information Technology staff, have enabled us to reconfigure our legacy computer systems to serve more customers than ever before,” said Asaro-Angelo. “They have been working nonstop since the pandemic struck New Jersey, and I want to thank them for their commitment to getting benefits to everyone who deserves them as quickly as possible.” The number of jobless claims is far higher than New Jersey has ever experienced – 576,904 New Jerseyans applied for unemployment in the three weeks starting March 15. After the first week of the pandemic, the number of new claims jumped more than 1,600 percent from the week before COVID-19 struck. The number of new unemployment claims moving through the system without issue has increased, thanks to the updated programming. Claims are being backdated, so anyone who has had trouble getting through will not lose a week of benefits. It’s important to note that workers cannot choose to collect unemployment benefits if employment is available. A worker who voluntarily quits a job is ineligible for unemployment. For more information on benefits eligibility, customers are urged to visit nj.gov/labor or MyUnemployment.nj.gov.  

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April 19, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

• Robert Schaub, 35, of Lindenwold, was arrested yesterday, April 18, by the Somerdale Police and charged with second-degree terroristic threats during an emergency.  Schaub had been prohibited from entering the Wawa store in Somerdale after a recent incident in which he was charged with trespassing there. On April 13, he entered the store again, and a clerk who recognized him told him to leave.  Schaub allegedly threatened to spit on the clerk, telling her he had the coronavirus and hoped she would get it and die.  Police identified Schaub and arrested him last night. He allegedly was uncooperative and refused to be fingerprinted at the jail.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

• John Abdullah, 57, of Somerdale, was arrested yesterday, April 18, by the Mount Ephraim Police and charged with third-degree aggravated assault on an officer, fourth-degree resisting arrest, shoplifting (disorderly persons offense) and violating the emergency orders.  Abdullah allegedly shoplifted candy from the Rite Aid on the Black Horse Pike, and when he was approached by a police officer, he led the officer on a foot chase, causing the officer to be injured. 

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order

• Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 30 summonses for violations of the emergency orders and ordered one non-essential business closed in enforcement actions yesterday, April 18.

• Cristobal Sanchez, 62, of Plainfield, the owner of the Tequila Club restaurant and bar on East 5th Street was charged last night, April 18, by the Plainfield Police with serving alcohol to patrons inside the bar in violation of the emergency orders.  Police received a report that the bar was open and found three patrons seated at the bar consuming alcohol.  A few additional patrons were seated at tables.  Sanchez was present and indicated that because the patrons were waiting for take-out orders, he thought he was allowed to serve them alcohol inside the premises.

• Trennajia Robinson, 26, Nyajah Levister, 22, Angela Dominguez, 22, and Nicole Thomas, 25, all of Passaic, were charged yesterday, April 18, by the Passaic Police with violating the emergency orders.  Police responded shortly after 1 a.m. to a report of a group of individuals involved in an altercation in the first block of 4^th Street.  Police observed the defendants in a verbal dispute and asked them to disperse. They allegedly refused to disperse and caused a disturbance.  They were not near their homes and had no essential reason to be at the location.

• Wilson Caraballo, 41, of Paterson, was charged yesterday, April 18, by the Paterson Police with violating the emergency orders for loitering outside a store in the 300 block of Main Street with no essential reason for being there.  He was warned several times before about this conduct.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “Our police officers are working bravely and tirelessly every day to protect us during this health crisis.  Regrettably, they are being called upon far too often to deal with people violating the emergency orders— or what is more egregious, people using the virus to spread fear or impede officers in their vital work,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Staying home and maintaining social distance isn’t just the best advice to stay healthy, it’s the law.  Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to keep our residents and officers safe, and that means we won’t hesitate to file charges against violators.”    “Law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of this battle to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the COVID-19 virus, and we cannot stress enough how important it is that each person follow the guidelines set forth in the Executive Order,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Because lives are at stake, enforcement action will be taken without hesitation against those who are blatantly placing the lives of others at risk.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Fifteen additional defendants, including Robert Schaub, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults and threats against police officers, emergency medical technicians, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.

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April 13, 2020

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Hong Kong human rights advocates who have worked with Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) on protecting Hong Kong freedom from Chinese government oppression have donated 4,000 high-quality surgical masks to CentraState Medical Center. 

     Anna Cheung, founder of New Yorkers Supporting Hong Kong (NY4HK) and the non-government organization Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC) in Washington helped organize the donation of personal protection equipment, or PPE.

  “We Hong Kongers are very grateful for Congressman Smith’s tireless work and support, not just for the Hong Kongers but the Chinese Dissidents, Tibetans and Uyghurs as well,” Cheung said. “We want to take this opportunity to thank Congressman Smith and the medical staff for their hard work.” 

Cheung said Amanda and Johnny Ho of Freehold, NJ donated 2,000 masks, and Andrew Duncan of New York also donated 2,000 masks on Friday to CentraState Medical Center, which was grateful for the supplies.

   “Thank you to Amanda and Johnny Ho and Andrew Duncan for donating these much needed surgical masks,” said Smith, Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC). “The staff at CentraState—who like other hospitals across New Jersey and across America—is working long hours at risk to themselves to protect those stricken by COVID-19. And I know that that the international Hong Kong community—who like Americans struggle to contain this outbreak—are our good friends. They face their own struggles with the outbreak and with China. For them to show this gesture to CentraState workers is very much appreciated.”

Smith is a commissioner on the Congressional Executive Commission on China, which he chaired for two terms.

 HKDC is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting democracy and human rights in Hong Kong led dominantly by people from Hong Kong living in the US. The group focuses on the challenges facing Hong Kong and US-Hong Kong relations and Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Only last month, Smith was recognized by the HKDC for his years of work to enact the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, which President Trump signed into law late last year.

Two thousand of the masks were donated by Amanda and Johnny Ho of Freehold, NJ, shown delivering the masks on April 10 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.

Four thousand masks were donated Friday, April 10 to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, NJ in Rep. Chris Smith’s 4th District.

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April 10, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On April 8, 2020 at approximately 1:30 pm, Hamilton Police were detailed to the Nottingham Little League Baseball Field, located at 103 Maple Shade Avenue, on a suspicious person complaint.  Responding officers were advised that the above pictured suspect was reported to have committed a lewd act in view of a 15 year old female that was nearby.

      The male suspect was observed leaving the scene on foot, down Park Avenue towards Cubberly Lane.

     The suspect is described as a white male approximately 40 years old, with light colored hair.  At the time of this incident, he was wearing a long sleeved white colored buttoned up shirt, blue jeans and was seen carrying a jacket over his right shoulder.  

       Hamilton Police Detectives are asking for the publics’ assistance with any information regarding the identity of the suspect.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Frank Palmieri of the Hamilton Police Division Criminal Investigations Section at (609) 581-4041 or via email at [email protected] or call the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609)581-4008.

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April 19, 2020

World: Cases: 2,374,141 Deaths: 163,372 Recovered: 611,159 as of 12:37 pm ET.

United States of America: Cases: 737,319 Deaths: 39,291 Recovered: 67,052 Tested: 3,723,634 as of 12:37 pm ET.

See Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker Here For Updates

New Jersey: Cases: 85,301 Deaths: 4,202

Today we’ve received 3,915 new confirmed #COVID19 test results. Our statewide total is now 85,301.

Sadly, we’ve lost another 132 New Jerseyans. We’ve now lost a total of 4,202 souls to COVID-19.

We now have 85,301 confirmed COVID-19 cases.• Atlantic: 398• Bergen: 12,639• Burlington: 1,587• Camden: 2,131• Cape May: 206• Cumberland: 308• Essex: 10,304• Gloucester: 737• Hudson: 10,486• Hunterdon: 407• Mercer: 2,395• Middlesex: 8,017• Monmouth: 4,669• Morris: 4,136• Ocean: 4,648• Passaic: 8,288• Salem: 116• Somerset: 2,384• Sussex: 659• Union: 9,609• Warren: 592

• Under Investigation: 585

We’ve now lost 4,202 New Jerseyans to COVID-19.• Atlantic: 19• Bergen: 767• Burlington: 58• Camden: 74• Cape May: 14• Cumberland: 4• Essex: 740• Gloucester: 24• Hudson: 452• Hunterdon: 18• Mercer: 113• Middlesex: 329• Monmouth: 226• Morris: 257• Ocean: 217• Passaic: 250• Salem: 4• Somerset: 158• Sussex: 62• Union: 372

• Warren: 44

More information: covid19.nj.gov

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy updates the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.

Monmouth and Ocean report cases later in the day and this will be updated here:

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New Municipal Bond Program Helps Mitigate Financial Impacts to Local Governments During State of Emergency

April 21, 2020

TRENTON, NJ – In response to growing concerns about financial market disruptions on local governments, the Murphy Administration and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) have implemented a backstop municipal bond note program. I-Bank’s $50 million liquidity investment, which is designed to help mitigate financial impacts to municipalities during the coronavirus state of emergency, launched on April 15.

“Governor Murphy and I are grateful that New Jersey’s I-Bank is able to step up in these uncertain times to help maintain fiscal solvency in all 565 of our municipalities,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA Commissioner. “This investment will help calm concerns in our local government units about market volatility. DCA is proud to partner with I-Bank and the New Jersey Department of Treasury to promote economic stability as we ride out this unprecedented crisis.”

The I-Bank Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) Program provides liquidity for municipalities in New Jersey that experience difficulty rolling over BANs in today’s volatile, disruptive municipal bond market. 

According to David Zimmer, Executive Director of the I-Bank, “This liquidity program is just one example of how the Governor is employing the state’s agencies and authorities to proactively address the financial impact of the virus on communities in New Jersey.”

New Jersey’s I-Bank has amended its investment policy to permit it to invest in local government unit BANs in certain circumstances. The BAN purchase program is a limited and specialized resource made available only to participants in I-Bank associated financing programs to address failed sales occurring during BAN rollovers.

This program is designed to ensure solvency and fiscal stability for New Jersey’s local government units, providing protection against potential defaults during the present liquidity crisis. Its general terms are as follows:The program is of limited duration, authorized only during a period in which the Governor has declared a State of Emergency. Only those BAN rollovers that require assistance, as defined by I-Bank, may participate.

Members of the I-Bank, Treasurer’s Office, and the financial advisor to the I-Bank shall determine the appropriate amount of available funds and liquidity to be invested.There will be sector, issue, and credit limits, interest rate guidelines, and a maturity limit of 90 days for any BAN submitted for consideration.The Director of the Division of Investments in the New Jersey Department of Treasury must approve the purchase of any BAN through the program.

“I’m thrilled that I-Bank is focusing their resources on municipal needs in these challenging times to help ensure that all of our local units remain fiscally stable throughout this crisis. I want to thank I-Bank and the Department of Treasury for their diligence and cooperation in getting this program off the ground so quickly,” said DCA Division of Local Government Services Director Melanie Walter.

“Treasury was pleased to be a part of this coordinated effort to help address the liquidity challenge many governments are facing right now,” said Michael Kanef, Director of Treasury’s Division of Public Finance. “We are hopeful that this additional protection will play a significant role in helping our municipalities weather this time of great uncertainty.”

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery.

For more information about DCA, visit nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media:

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April 25, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–This morning just before noon a call came into the Hamilton Township Fire Department for a fire in the 200 Block of Kuser Road. Hamilton Township Firefighters raced to the scene and found a fire in the basement and quickly extinguished it. The occupant of the home was burned and was treated by EMS then taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for further treatment.

At the time of this report, fire investigators were still on scene investigating the cause of the fire and there was not a condition update available for the occupant of the home.

Further information will be provided once official details become available.