Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 4/15/2020 – InsiderNJ

The state absorbed its highest increase of COVID-19 fatalities in a 24 hour period yesterday, with a rise of 365 deaths and 4,095 cases, for a statewide total of 68,824 cases and 2,804 fatalities as of Tuesday. The Governor and state officials held their daily COVID-19 briefing yesterday, as the Governor sounded an urgent alarm for more federal testing resources. ‘Testing is not nearly where it needs to be’, he said. ‘We need help’. Over 8,000 individuals have been hospitalized; over 2,000 of them are in critical care, and over 1,600 are on ventilators. NJDOH Commissioner said that the virus’ peak won’t occur until April 25th, 10 days from today.

Governor Murphy signed an executive order extending deadlines associated with state agency rulemaking. He took action on legislation.

AG Grewal and State Police Colonel Callahan released the daily update of COVID-19 executive order violations.

AG Grewal announced that over 10,000 out-of-state healthcare workers have been licensed to assist in the state’s fight against COVID-19.

The NJDOL implemented technical and customer service improvements to address the increase in unemployment applications.

HUD gave additional flexibility to housing authorities to focus on tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atlantic County confirmed 16 new COVID-19 cases and 4 fatalities on Tuesday. The county added additional test dates at its testing site.

Bergen County reported a total of 10,442 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. Bergen County Sheriff’s Office released COVID-19 data on jail inmates and staff.

Burlington County reported 57 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. The rate of the virus’ spread in Burlington County appears to be slowing, according to the Burlington County Times.

Camden County reported 95 new COVID-19 cases and 6 fatalities on Tuesday. The county’s COVID-19 testing site opens today.

Cape May County reported a total of 179 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Cumberland County surpassed 200 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Essex County surpassed 8,000 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday; Newark has surpassed 3,000 cases alone.

Gloucester County reported 22 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.

Hunterdon County reported a total of 353 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Mercer County reported a total of 1,731 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Middlesex County released a town breakdown of 6,003 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Monmouth County surpassed 4,000 COVID-19 cases total as of Tuesday.

Morris County reported a total of 3,356 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Ocean County reported a total of 3,841 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Somerset County reported a total of 1,742 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.

Sussex County reported 38 new COVID-19 cases and 2 fatalities on Tuesday. County residents can now access the COVID-19 testing site in Morris County.

Warren County reported a total of 427 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. Freeholder Kern sent a letter to Governor Murphy in support of the state’s House delegation’s request that a portion of the state’s federal COVID-19 resources be directed to Warren County.

Rep. Sherrill and Senators Bucco and Codey requested that the state dedicate a portion of its federal resources to Morris County.

Rep. Payne announced $148M in COVID-19 relief funds for Newark Liberty Airport.

Rep. Pascrell introduced legislation to compensate public safety officers during the COVID-19 crisis.

Reps. Malinowski and Gottheimer announced $38M for St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Reps. Smith and Norcross led the state’s delegation in urging congressional leaders to improve the Paycheck Protection Act.

Rep. Malinowski rebuked President Trump’s ‘total authority’ comments.

Rep. Kim called for congressional action to protect the Postal Service.

The Corriell Institute is offering services to create viral testing collection tubes.

Horizon announced that 72 employees have volunteered to join the state’s efforts to fight COVID-19.

ICYMI: Area governors outline coordinated steps for reopening, Murphy hopes for harmony between feds and states; Murphy strengthens social distancing and pressed for a continuation; Murphy signed an executive order for release of certain inmates; Murphy defended decision to close parks, ‘this is not a life sentence‘, on Platkin’s positive test, Murphy says ‘we need him’; primary moved (a ‘poorly kept secret‘, widely expected by insiders); all shoppers must wear protective face coverings, municipalities have discretion on parks; focal point for some: Bateman called for state to reopen, Webber started online petition, Space: ‘I’ve about had enough!!‘, NJOA slammed closures

No Longer a Scourge, Fentanyl Is Now Most-Needed Drug in COVID-19 War

Ian T. Shearn, NJ Spotlight

• The first wave of critical shortages exposed by the coronavirus was medical masks and gowns. Then it was ventilators. Now, a handful of crucial drugs are in short supply in overrun ICUs throughout northern New Jersey and New York City, many of which are needed to use the ventilators.

Cooperation the key to getting testing site opened | Quigley

Joan Quigley, For The Jersey Journal

• How do you set up a public testing site for the world’s most infectious disease and do it while your everyday staff is falling by the dozens in fear and illness?

Ruth Mandel: A child of the Holocaust, a believer in democracy | Moran

Tom Moran, Star-Ledger

• The conversation I’ll remember with Ruth Mandel came in 2015 as a flood of Syrian refugees banged on Europe’s door. Look at their faces, she told me, look at their eyes. Look at how they hold their children, shielding them. Then you can understand their hearts.

Coronavirus deaths in Lakewood: ‘We’re entering the most difficult time’

Gustavo Martínez Contreras, Asbury Park Press

• The township has reached more than a thousand confirmed cases from the coronavirus pandemic, the most in Ocean County, according to figures by state and county health officials. While some deaths have been made public through different organizations, the exact figure remains a mystery as the Ocean County Board of Health has not released a breakdown by town.

This is what safety looks like spending time with Gov. Murphy during the coronavirus pandemic

Michael Mancuso & Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

• This thing is real. And surreal. That much has been clear when you attend the press briefings Gov. Phil Murphy holds each day on the toll the coronavirus has taken in New Jersey. Especially the past week.

Nursing homes throughout Northeast become Achilles’ heel as thousands die from coronavirus

Abbott Koloff, Tiffany Cusaac-Smith and Ashley Biviano, NorthJersey.com

• Some workers have been fired for speaking out about a lack of protective gear. Terrified residents are cut off from having loved ones visit in person. And state officials have declined to provide information about specific long-term care facilities while many administrators refuse to talk about the number of people infected in their facilities.

Crisis Brings Out the Best and Worst in People (Opinion)

Bill Spadea, NJ1015

• Crisis situations like this bring out the best and worst in people. We’re seeing the best among our first responders. We’re seeing the best among truckers, construction workers and parents who have had to assume the role of teacher through the past few weeks. We’re seeing the best in our transit workers who continue to operate our transportation system. We’re seeing the best among restaurants trying to stay afloat in uncertain and devastating economic circumstances. We’re seeing the best among teachers doing their part to adjust to distance learning and keep kids engaged.

Can the texts. Try the call button. A Drew expert’s ‘quarantivities’ for pandemic mental health

Jamie Lynn Connors, Morristown Green

• Can the texting. Forget Snapchat. Try your phone’s call button instead. Those are among psychologist James Mandala’s tips for staying mentally healthy while you try to dodge the coronavirus.

Second resident of Princeton Care Center dies from COVID-19

Kyrstal Knapp, Planet Princeton

• A second resident of the Princeton Care Center has died as a result of complications from COVID-19, officials confirmed Monday night. The man was in his 90s. Further information was not released by officials, including the date of the man’s death.

William Mack stepping aside as Mack-Cali chairman amid board battle

Eric Strauss, roi-nj.com

• Locked in a battle with an investor for control of the board of directors, Mack-Cali Realty Corp. announced Tuesday that Chairman William Mack will not stand for reelection to the board. In its news release about the latest board nominees, the Jersey City-based real estate investment trust announced Mack’s decision. Mack has been on the firm’s board since the 1997 merger of his The Mack Co. with Cali Realty Corp., and has served as chairman since 2000.

NJ residents face insurance challenges beyond grace periods during pandemic

Bob Makin, Bridgewater Courier News

• Among the many impacts of the coronavirus are those on insurance. Gov. Phil Murphy last week mandated a 90-day grace period for auto, homeowner’s and renter’s insurance payments and a 60-day grace period for health insurance payments.

‘Suffering in silence:’ Coronavirus a major challenge to NJ’s child protection system

Abbott Koloff and Jean Rimbach, NorthJersey.com

• In one case, a child was placed with a relative when both parents were hospitalized with COVID-19. In another, a teenage girl became the sole caregiver for her brother and mother — both sick with the virus. And the mother of an at risk child developed suicidal thoughts and had to be counseled remotely.

Coronavirus NJ: Holmdel ER doctor comes home after life-threatening battle

Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press

• On Saturday, as he was wheeled out of Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune after a weeklong perilous bout with COVID-19, Dr. Mike Savino took note of a few details. An emergency-room doctor who contracted the virus on the job at a northern New Jersey hospital, Savino was appreciative of the nurses who lined the halls applauding his exit, and of the music piped over the public address system for his discharge: “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.

Phil Murphy’s way with words: Cliches won’t cure coronavirus | Mulshine

Paul Mulshine, Star-Ledger

• I have noted in the past what an amazing cliché factory our governor is. Sure enough, on the CBS talk show “Face the Nation” on Sunday Phil Murphy was on fire. By which I mean, fire was the cliche of the day.

Trump now says Murphy, Cuomo and other governors will decide when to reopen their states

Jonathan D. Salant and Brent Johnson, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

• President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed down from his claim that he was the “ultimate authority” in deciding when states should reopen following the coronavirus outbreak, saying it would leave it to Phil Murphy and the other governors.

35 COVID-19 cases at Masonic Village as long-term care facilities are top concern for state

George Woolston, Burlington County Times

• As of Monday evening, 19 residents and 16 staff members at the Masonic Village retirement community have tested positive for coronavirus.

NJ now expects coronavirus peak to arrive in late April

David Levinsky, Burlington County Times

• The latest modeling now predicts that the infection’s peak will be on or around April 25 and will involve nearly 16,000 hospitalizations by COVID-19 patients, including 3,821 who will require critical care. Health officials are now predicting New Jersey will reach its coronavirus peak later this month and that it will still stretch hospitals’ capacity and resources. Speaking during Gov. Phil Murphy’s daily briefing, state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said the latest modeling now predicts that the infection’s peak will be on or around April 25 and will involve nearly 16,000 hospitalizations by COVID-19 patients, including 3,821 who will require critical care.

That was a waste of my time.’ Small businesses fume as coronavirus aid keeps running out.

Samantha Marcus, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

• The owner of Old Man Rafferty’s restaurant in New Brunswick and Hillsborough was at his computer when the window to apply for a special low-interest state loan opened, he said.

No way Trump fires Dr. Fauci, Chris Christie says

Jonathan D. Salant, NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

• Ignore any speculation that President Donald Trump is ready to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top White House adviser on the coronavirus. So says former Gov. Chris Christie.

Jersey City forced to open daycare centers for essential workers’ kids after Murphy files lawsuit

Joshua Rosario, The Jersey Journal

• A Mercer County Superior Court judge has ordered Jersey City to reopen daycare centers for children of essential workers after Gov. Phil Murphy sued the city over Mayor Steve Fulop’s executive order closing childcare facilities.

Bayonne apartment complex asking city council to extend 40-year tax abatement another 15 years

Ron Zeitlinger, The Jersey Journal

• The Bayonne City Council will consider a new tax abatement deal for a residential apartment complex that has received tax breaks for the past 40-plus years at its meeting Wednesday night.

Ask the senator: We’re hosting a Q&A with Cory Booker on Facebook Live, 4:30 p.m. 4/16

Candace Mitchell, NorthJersey.com

• NorthJersey.com and The Record, and USA TODAY Network New Jersey will be joined by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker for a coronavirus Q&A to answer some frequently asked questions from our readers live on Facebook, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16.

NJ Towns Honor Hospital Heroes with Amazing Displays and Fanfare (Opinion)

Judi Franco, NJ1015

• Saturday night brought crowds and sounds that looked like an emergency to Princeton. But actually, the ruckus was quite the opposite: it was one of the grandest of the many tributes to Frontline Health workers that have happened all over the country. Police, fire fighters and EMS vehicles arrived blaring their sirens and flashing their lights in an all out display of gratitude towards the hospital workers at the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center there.

St. Luke’s Phillipsburg patient off ventilator after experimental COVID-19 plasma trial

Sarah Cassi, For lehighvalleylive.com

• A COVID-19 patient at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phillipsburg was taken off a ventilator following an experimental blood plasma treatment.

EMT who alleged he was fired for not being ‘team player’ in sexual harassment case wins appeal

John Heinis, Hudson County View

• A former EMS supervisor for the now defunct Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center won an appeal in his retaliation case alleging he was fired after refusing to be a “team player” for the company in an unrelated sexual harassment case.

People with developmental disabilities fear being overlooked during pandemic

Raven Santana, NJTV

• The COVID-19 pandemic is posing special problems for the families of adults with developmental disabilities — a particularly vulnerable population that relies on a network of state-funded supports to navigate the routines of daily life.

Moody’s warns of potential downgrade for NJ amid global pandemic

Daniel J, Munoz, njbiz.com

• One of the three major Wall Street rating agencies warned about a potential future credit downgrade for New Jersey, as the COVID-19 outbreak decimates both state and local tax revenue—the first such move since Gov. Phil Murphy took office in January 2018. Moody’s Investors Services on April 13 affirmed the state’s credit rating as A3, but revised its outlook from “stable” to “negative,” citing the global pandemic’s impacts on New Jersey’s finances and the economy, which are straining the state’s ability to structurally balance its budget, and elevating already-high liabilities.

Attorney general weighs in on special election ballots, Atlantic City Dems not satisfied

David Danzis, Press of Atlantic City

• The state attorney general and the lawyer representing the Atlantic City Democratic Committee are in a legal battle over how the May 12 special election will be conducted.

With coronavirus comes fear — and with fear comes prejudice

Jim Beckerman, NorthJersey.com

• The Others. Them. The very words sound sinister. No wonder they became the titles of horror movies. But they’re what we focus on, in a time of fear. Prejudice could be the one thing that spreads more easily than COVID-19.