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April 11, 2020

Photos, video and story by: Dennis Symons, Jr.

PLAINSBORO, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A COVID-19 hospital worker appreciation event was held tonight at the Penn Medicine, Princeton Medical Center at Plainsboro. Firefighters, police, EMS showed appreciation to hospital workers at shift change. The event kicked off with a parade of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances that circled the medical center. Firefighters ladder trucks raised them and flew flags as workers arrived and left work.

At the employee entrance police, fire and EMS applauded hospital workers in appreciation. Superheros handed handed out many boxes of pizza.

Spider-Man, Superman, The Hulk, Captain America, Easter Bunny, Santa Claus were all on scene for this event.

Partial list of fire apparatus at the event:

Plainsboro Tower 49, Princeton Tower 60, Princeton Jct Tower 44, Monmouth Jct Tower 20, Montgomery Tower 46, Hightstown Ladder 41, Kendal Park Ladder 22, North Brunswick Tower 2, East Brunswick Tower 709, Monroe Tower 51, East Windsor TW42, East Windsor TS 46, Jamesburg TS 42-J-10, North Brunswick Engine Co 1, Griggstown Rescue-Engine 35, Little Rocky Hill (possibly Engine or Rescue), Rocky Hill Engine 53, Kingston Engine 24, West Windsor Fire Police, West Windsor Engine 43, Spotswood Engine 71, Hopewell SS52NJSP – NORTH STAR (740-750 circle & fly-by)

Plainsboro Engine 49, Princeton Ladder 60, Monroe Tower 57, Monroe Ladder 23,  North Brunswick Ladder 3, Hopewell Ladder 52, West Windsor Ladder 43

Pizza was from Romeos Pizza (Plainsboro) and Maninos 3 (Hamilton).

All firefighters, police, EMS as well as hospital workers wore PPE such as N95 masks or other covering along with gloves depending on duties.

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April 20, 2020

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Fire Department responded to 12 Hanford Place for a fire in a 2 story home that left at least 2 people and 2 dogs temporary homeless tonight.

Upon arrival of the first due apparatus, heavy smoke was seen from the first and second floors and a “all hands” was called for sending the full first alarm to the scene. Trenton firefighters quickly brought the fire under control. The Trenton Fire Marshall was on scene investigating. A request was made for find temporary shelter for 2 people and 2 dogs.

No other information was available at the time of this report.

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Will Bring total to 300,000…

April 21, 2020

The last cases of a donation of 200,000 medical masks from the Taiwanese government to New Jersey for the state’s first responders and health care professionals arrived today and are a welcomed addition to 100,000 previously donated by Taiwan, said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).

“I want to thank the people of democratic Taiwan for standing with us during New Jersey’s hour of need,” said Smith. “As of today, the full shipment has arrived at a NJ warehouse where it can be distributed to our first responders and healthcare professionals on the frontlines throughout the state,” he added. “We in New Jersey—the second hardest-hit state in the union—had previously received 100,000 masks out of one million recently sent to the U.S. by the Taiwanese people, and this additional 200,000 is most welcome and necessary.

Smith, who has been in contact with the Taiwanese consulates in New York and Washington in seeking personal protection equipment (PPE), has a long history of support working with Taiwan in the face of the longstanding hostility from the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC).

            Ambassador Lily Hsu, the Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, which serves as Taiwan’s de facto consulate, stated “We thank Congressman Smith for his many years of friendship with the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to help supply New Jersey’s first responders and frontline health workers with medical masks. I hope it is a reminder of the friendship which exists between the Taiwanese and American people.”

Smith also lauded Taiwan’s success at containing COVID-19 despite its close proximity to mainland China, where the virus originated.  He said the World Health Organization (WHO) should have heeded Taiwan’s warnings, rather than China’s misinformation, about the deadly outbreak, noting that the world might not be facing such a severe crisis if WHO did not have a bias towards China.   “I and others have been highly critical of the WHO, whose cozy relations with mainland China and failure to ask critical questions abetted the Chinese Communist Party’s disinformation campaign.”

  Smith recently authored an op-ed in the Washington Times on the need for accountability and transparency at the WHO. Smith, who currently serves as ranking member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and for many years was its chairman, has held more than 60 hearings on the Chinese government’s abuses of the human rights of its own citizens, rights which are protected across the Taiwan Strait.  He also is a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“In contrast to the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan stands as a beacon of freedom and an example of democracy. We are happy to accept this life-saving gift from partners who respect human rights and share our values and aspirations,” Smith concluded.

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April 20, 2020

World: Cases: 2,463,357 Deaths: 168,906 Recovered: 644,262 as of 4:38 pm. ET

United States of America: Cases: 778,176 Deaths: 41,313 Recovered: 71,921 Tested: 3,893,815 as of 4:38 pm. ET

Check the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker for the latest numbers

New Jersey: Cases: 88,806 Deaths: 4,377

Some good news in NJ: Recovered

Five weeks ago, former Ridgewood High School lacrosse standout and Bates College All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic.

We now have 88,806 confirmed #COVID19 cases.• Atlantic: 410• Bergen: 13,011• Burlington: 1,663• Camden: 2,255• Cape May: 212• Cumberland: 338• Essex: 10,729• Gloucester: 770• Hudson: 11,150• Hunterdon: 419• Mercer: 2,591• Middlesex: 8,346• Monmouth: 4,787• Morris: 4,236• Ocean: 4,868• Passaic: 8,479• Salem: 120• Somerset: 2,488• Sussex: 680• Union: 9,972• Warren: 613

• Under Investigation: 660

We’ve now lost 4,377 New Jerseyans to COVID-19.• Atlantic: 19• Bergen: 787• Burlington: 61• Camden: 81• Cape May: 15• Cumberland: 4• Essex: 751• Gloucester: 25• Hudson: 492• Hunterdon: 18• Mercer: 122• Middlesex: 345• Monmouth: 230• Morris: 269• Ocean: 222• Passaic: 263• Salem: 4• Somerset: 170• Sussex: 64• Union: 387• Warren: 47

• Unknown: 1

•6,986 #COVID19 patients reported hospitalized•2,018 individuals listed in critical or intensive care•1,594 ventilators were in use•74 patients are at one of our field medical stations

•583 New Jerseyans discharged

Five weeks ago, former Ridgewood High School lacrosse standout and Bates College All-American Jack Allard was confirmed positive for #COVID19. He was put on a ventilator. Last Thursday, he walked out of the hospital. For Jack and the hundreds more who have recovered, we’re optimistic.

Monmouth County has 4,783 positive cases
of COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of April 20, the State is reporting 114 new positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County, bringing the total to 4,783.

The Freeholders noted that the number of cases in Monmouth County seem to be stabilizing. They will talk more about this at their Freeholder meeting, which will be live streamed at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, on the Monmouth County Government Facebook and YouTube Channel.

The breakdown by municipality is as follows:

• Aberdeen: 133
• Allenhurst: 2
• Allentown: 4
• Asbury Park: 98
• Atlantic Highlands: 18
• Avon-by-the-Sea: 9
• Belmar: 13
• Bradley Beach: 22
• Brielle: 22
• Colts Neck: 56
• Deal: 23
• Eatontown: 138
• Englishtown: 20
• Fair Haven: 17
• Farmingdale: 10
• Freehold Borough: 173
• Freehold Township: 414
• Hazlet: 182
• Highlands: 20
• Holmdel: 150
• Howell: 414
• Interlaken: 1
• Keansburg: 82
• Keyport: 57
• Lake Como: 12
• Little Silver: 26
• Loch Arbour: 1
• Long Branch: 280
• Manalapan: 329
• Manasquan: 25
• Marlboro: 319
• Matawan: 119
• Middletown: 372
• Millstone: 57
• Monmouth Beach: 18
• Neptune City: 24
• Neptune Township: 250
• Ocean: 189
• Oceanport: 42
• Red Bank: 98
• Roosevelt: 2
• Rumson: 27
• Sea Bright: 7
• Sea Girt: 9
• Shrewsbury Borough: 27
• Shrewsbury Township: 7
• Spring Lake: 8
• Spring Lake Heights: 16
• Tinton Falls: 106
• Union Beach: 31
• Upper Freehold: 33
• Wall: 169
• West Long Branch: 54
• Unknown: 48

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Covid-19 Total Cases (4822) In Ocean County:

Total as of Monday, 4/20/2020 at 11:00 am

Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.

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April 9, 2020

FREEHOLD, NJ – On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley held a press conference today to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation and additional support that the County will supply the business community.

“Since the start of the Take Out in Monmouth initiative last week, we have complied well over 750 businesses, which can be found at www.takeoutinmonmouth.com,” said Freeholder Director Arnone, liaison to the Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism. “Today, we are now adding breweries and wineries to this online list to further boost the local economy. These business owners are our friends, neighbors and community leaders and we owe our support to these individuals and their employees during this difficult time.”

Visit http://takeoutinmounmouth.com https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=5029 for further local listings.

Visit the Screaming Hill Brewery page for barnside pickup. Orders placed the day before will be ready the next day for pickup. Try the “Blood Orange” a midjersey.news favorite.

Visit Screamin Hill our local farm fresh brewery for barn side pickup. Remember to place order the day before for pickup the next day.

Heavenly Havens Has Ice Cream Takeout Window:

LaPiazza Delivers now, you might be lucky enough to have DJ Nebbs deliver for you:

Together, Monmouth County municipalities, local chambers as well as the County Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism continue to research and identify all food grocers, breweries, wineries and restaurants open. While the County works to maintain an updated list, email [email protected] to be listed or request a change in listing.

“As a result of mounting cases and more and more residents becoming increasingly frightened to leave their own home, the Monmouth County Aging Disability Resource Center has prepared the COVID-19 Resource Guide to assist seniors and residents with disabilities who may be struggling to acquire basic needs during this health pandemic,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “The County has been extensively collaborating with local officials and the guide will be frequently updated to reflect the most current services and resources offered by municipality.”

In addition to Monmouth County ADRC (Aging Disability Resource Center), Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through Services) has been directing residents to Monmouth Resource Net, an online directory of community and health resources and services, information about residential mortgage relief as well as mental health support.

The Freeholders also discussed the Executive Order signed on Thursday, April 7 by the Governor, closing all Monmouth County parks indefinitely.

“I would like to publicly state that I do not support the indefinite closure of all county parks in New Jersey. I also find it unacceptable that we have no input as to when they will reopen. There are a number of options that could have been considered as an alternative to completely closing county parks, including limiting hours, days, et cetera,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has felt, throughout this entire pandemic, that our County parks are essential for our residents’ mental health and a great choice for passive recreation. I promise that we will open our parks immediately as soon as the Executive Order is lifted.”

All public is restricted from parks and golf courses. Park and golf course entrances and parking lots are gated or barricaded and visitors who gain park access by foot or bike will be directed to leave, as the parks will still be patrolled. Marina services are suspended but owners will have access to their boats.

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

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May 8, 2020 – updated

The New Jersey Air National Guard will be conducting a flyover to honor #COVID19 front line workers.

The 177th Fighter Wing and 108th Wing are partnering in the nationwide Air Force Salutes Flyover event, May 12 (weather date – May 13), to honor the men and women working on the front lines during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic.

The flyover will feature three F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 177th Fighter Wing and a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 108th Wing. The flight begins at 11:20 a.m. and will cover key COVID-19 locations across New Jersey, to include testing sites, state veterans homes, hospitals and mortuary affairs.

Barring delays due to weather, air traffic or maintenance, residents can see the flyover at the following times and locations:

• Sea Girt – 11:30 a.m.• PNC Arts Center – 11:35 a.m.• Millstone – 11:40 a.m.• NJ Convention Center – 11:45 a.m.• Menlo Park – 11:46 – a.m.• Kean University – 11:48 a.m.• University Hospital – 11:48 a.m.• Expo Center – 11:49 a.m.• Bern County College/Paramus – 11:51 a.m.• Vets Haven North – 12:01 p.m.• New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs – 12:07 p.m.• Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital – 12:13 p.m.• U.S. Coast Guard Training Center – 12:27

• Atlantic City Convention Center – 12:32 p.m.

Listed times may vary slightly.

“Never underestimate the value of a morale boost when in combat. I want to thank the NJ Air Guard for its patriotic gesture and flyover in support of our first responder cohorts as we continue to battle COVID-19,” said Brig. Gen. Jemal Beale, Commander of the New Jersey National Guard and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Jersey Strong!”

#AirForceSalutes #AFFlyover

United States Air Force I Air National Guard I 108th Wing

Two New Jersey Air National Guard wings are partnering in the nationwide Air Force Salutes Flyover, Tuesday, May 12, to honor the men and women working on the frontlines during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic.

The flyover will feature a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 108th Wing and three F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 177th Fighter Wing. The flight begins at 11:20 a.m. and will end less than two hours later covering key COVID-19 locations across New Jersey to include testing sites, state veteran homes, hospitals and mortuary affairs. Air National Guard Airforce

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April 18, 2020

MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A single car accident into a tree occurred in the 300 Block of Route 527A-Smithburg Road at 4:57 pm. The Millstone Township Fire Department, NJ State Police and EMS responded. NJ State Police are investigating the crash. No further details are available at the time of this report.

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April 22, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed legislation (S2357) which will require hospitals to report demographic data to the Department of Health. In conjunction with this signing, the COVID-19 Information Hub has been updated with preliminary racial data that has already been collected.

“Understanding the impact of COVID-19 by demographic group is critical to ensure equity in our response to this virus,” said Governor Murphy. “We must do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable groups in our state during this unprecedented crisis. This data will inform our efforts and allow us to make sure that no one is left behind.”

S2357 requires hospitals to report demographic data including age, ethnicity, gender, and race of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, who have died from COVID-19, and who have tried to get testing but have been turned away.

Primary sponsors of S2357 include Senators Ronald Rice, Nia Gill, Kristin Corrado, and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Nancy Pinkin.

“Our country has an incredibly poor history of health care when it comes to the treatment of minorities, especially in the Black community,” said Senator Ronald Rice. “If hospitals have limited funding and decide to pull resources away from sick minorities, this causes all sorts of problems. Collecting and then receiving this data will allow for us to know which hospitals need more funding and resources in order to properly care for our minority populations.”

“Without racial demographic data we will have no way to identify and address ongoing disparities and health inequities that risk accelerating the spread of COVID-19,” said Senator Nia Gill. “Inequalities in treatment and diagnosis can have significant and severe impacts on minorities who are already at a higher risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. In order to address these disparities, we must have data on who is being tested, who is being treated, and what the treatment outcomes are.”

“Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on our state and the nation, appearing to disproportionately impact men and the African-American community,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “The more demographic information we can gather from our hospitals on infections, the better we can identify, react, study, and prevent new COVID-19 cases in vulnerable populations. Arming our health commissioner with data and case statistics can help match medical care to those at greater risk.”

“Decades of systemic poverty, lack of sufficient healthcare and chronic unemployment in our communities, especially black communities, lends to the increased risk of coronavirus hitting residents living below the poverty line harder than others. Those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and other medical conditions are more susceptible to the virus, which are conditions that are very prevalent in communities of color,” Assembly sponsors Benjie Wimberly, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Nancy Pinkin said in a joint statement. “We can’t gauge an appropriate response without knowing the numbers. Requiring hospitals to compile demographic data will help us zero in on the communities who have suffered the most during this pandemic and to figure out what must be done to protect them as we continue to fight COVID-19.” U.S. Senator Cory Booker recently introduced legislation that would require the federal government to collect and report demographic data on COVID-19 cases, including data on race and ethnicity.

“We have a solemn obligation to protect every New Jerseyan from the coronavirus. This means we can’t leave anyone behind,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Deep-seated health disparities faced by communities of color in New Jersey and across our nation have been magnified and exacerbated by this public health crisis. The collection of this critical data here in New Jersey will help us better understand the scope of health disparities related to COVID-19 so together we can act to end them. I applaud Governor Murphy and the bill sponsors in the New Jersey Legislature for their leadership through this crisis, and their continued efforts to protect every New Jerseyan, including our most vulnerable.”

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April 16, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency has unanimously voted to suspend rent increases at all eligible properties within the Agency’s portfolio, which includes 36,000 rental units across the state. “Many New Jerseyans are now facing the difficult financial realities of unemployment and a loss of income due to COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “With this action, thousands of low- and moderate-income families, who have been among the most-economically impacted during this crisis, will not have to fear a rent increase.”The suspension of rent increases will remain in place until the termination of Executive Order 103. Thereafter, eligible properties in the Agency’s portfolio seeking rent increases of up to 1.4% may do so only after 30-day notice is provided to NJHMFA and residents. Any request in excess of this amount must first be reviewed and approved by NJHMFA staff. Homeowners and renters whose ability to pay their mortgage or rent has been impacted by COVID-19 can now seek housing counseling to help prevent possible eviction or foreclosure. These services are available at no cost to the consumer.A full list of participating housing counselors and more details on the program may be found at: www.njhousing.gov/foreclosure

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April 19, 2020

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–A three vehicle crash occurred this afternoon in the 900 Block Greenwood Avenue near Quinton Avenue. A Jeep was left overturned and two cars also crashed into a tree. Trenton Police, Trenton Fire Department and Trenton Emergency Medical Services responded.

No other information was available about the accident.