Today Governor Murphy announced that there were 976 new positive cases and an additional 5 confirmed deaths resulting from COVID-19. To date, there have been 217,804 confirmed cases, and 14,413 confirmed deaths. The rate of transmission is at 1.18.
Since our last update, Governor Murphy issued the following COVID-19 related Executive Orders:
Executive Order 187 permitting indoor and outdoor no-contact practices, contact practices, and competitions for “Low Risk”, “Medium Risk”, and “High Risk” sports, as defined by New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities”.
Executive Order 189 extending the due date for the filing of the 2019 Corporation Business Tax (CBT) annual return from October 15, 2020, to November 16, 2020.
Executive Order 190 extends the utility shutoff moratorium. No gas, electric, or water system can discontinue service to residential accounts, or any accounts primarily serving residential customers, due to nonpayment until March 15, 2021. Any fee or charge for later payments or service reconnections can continue to accrue. A company can disconnect services to prevent or ameliorate a risk to public health or safety. This moratorium applies to both private and public utilities.
In addition, Executive Order 190 prohibits a cable or telecommunications provider from terminating internet or voice service to residential customers for nonpayment before November 15, 2020. Prior to disconnect, residential customers must be offered enrollment in an interest-free payment plan of at least 12 equal monthly installments that include any outstanding balances as well as ongoing balances for services provided. In addition, services may not be disconnected to a residential account that has one or more school-aged children utilizing the services for educational purposes.
On Tuesday, the Governor added Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia to the list of states and territories subject to the Travel quarantine and advisory list. There are currently 38 states and territories subject to the Travel quarantine advisory.
For the week ending October 10, New Jersey Labor Department announced 29,029 new unemployment applications. The increase in applications was driven by applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance by independent contractors out of work due to COVID-19 and other not eligible for traditional state unemployment.
As a reminder last week, the Governor announced that Halloween activities can go forward with local guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Health to local officials, schools, outside organizations, and businesses. Please see our blog post for more information on Halloween guidance.
Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x120.