Fighting COVID-19
Resources for Plainfield Residents
Greetings!

 
We are facing an unprecedented time of uncertainty and distress. The Coronavirus is troubling not only because of its ability to spread rapidly, but also because so little is known about it. 

It is natural that many of us are now facing new challenges related to the spread of the virus not the least of which is income insecurity, schooling for our children and adjusting to the new norm of isolated behavior.

I am not immune to these stressors and I am prepared to fight every challenge alongside you. My administration and I are doing everything in our power to find resources that will help you through the impact of COVID-19. In this special edition of our newsletter, we’ve gathered helpful information that can help you source things like financial support, food, and even available WIFI to get online.
 
At City Hall we’re maintaining essential services while taking steps to safeguard the health of our employees. We want to encourage you to try and complete your business online as much as possible. If you can’t find what you want online, please give us a call before coming to City Hall, chances are we can get the information to you and save you the trip.

Most of all remember that even if you feel isolated, you are not alone. We are fighting back as a city, a community that understands how to weather hard times. Now is the time for us to really show our legendary Plainfield strength, compassion and resilience. We must help each other as much as possible and unite to fight back against this very real threat to our community.

While this crisis lasts, we will be sharing this resource edition of our newsletter every Wednesday. Please stay tuned and share this information with your loved ones and friends.

I am always available and you can reach me at (908) 380-2241.



We are today and always…

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
 
 
Sincerely,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Nos enfrentamos a un momento de incertidumbre y angustia sin precedentes. El coronavirus es problemático no solo por su capacidad de propagarse rápidamente, sino también porque se sabe muy poco al respecto.

Es natural que muchos de nosotros ahora enfrentemos nuevos desafíos relacionados con la propagación del virus, entre ellos la inseguridad de ingresos, la escolarización de nuestros hijos y la adaptación a la nueva norma de comportamiento aislado.

No soy inmune a estos factores estresantes y estoy preparado para luchar contra todos los desafíos junto a ti. Mi administración y yo estamos haciendo todo lo que está a nuestro alcance para encontrar recursos que lo ayuden a superar el impacto de COVID-19. En esta edición especial de nuestro boletín, hemos reunido información útil que puede ayudarlo a obtener recursos como apoyo financiero, y WIFI disponible para conectarse.
 
En el Ayuntamiento mantenemos servicios esenciales mientras tomamos medidas para salvaguardar la salud de nuestros empleados. Queremos alentarlo a que intente y complete su negocio en línea en la medida de lo posible. Si no puede encontrar lo que desea en línea, llámenos antes de venir al Ayuntamiento, es probable que podamos obtener la información y ahorrarle el viaje.

Sobre todo recuerde que incluso si se siente aislado, no está solo. Estamos luchando como una ciudad, una comunidad que entiende cómo hacer frente a los tiempos difíciles. Ahora es el momento de mostrar realmente nuestra legendaria fuerza, compasión y resistencia de Plainfield. Debemos ayudarnos mutuamente tanto como sea posible y unirnos para luchar contra esta amenaza muy real para nuestra comunidad.

Mientras dure esta crisis, compartiremos esta edición de recursos de nuestro boletín todos los miércoles. Estén atentos y compartan esta información con sus seres queridos y amigos.

Siempre estoy disponible y puede comunicarse conmigo al (908) 380-2241.

Estamos hoy y siempre ...

Creando Un Plainfield, Un Futuro.

Sinceramente,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Partnership with Evangel Church | Just Text HOPE!
Since many of our residents may be without food and other necessary supplies during this crisis, we have partnered with Evangel Church to have boxes of hope delivered to our vulnerable residents in our community. These supplies are ONLY for vulnerable residents including the elderly, quarantined, or individuals who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. If you fall under these categories, please 𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟗𝟎𝟖-𝟑𝟐𝟓-𝟓𝟏𝟔𝟑 to have a box of hope containing much needed supplies delivered to your door.

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 - 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥!
Dado que muchos de nuestros residentes pueden estar sin alimentos y otros suministros necesarios durante esta crisis, nos hemos asociado con Evangel Church para entregar cajas de esperanza a las personas que necesitan. Los suministros son solamente para las personas en cuarentena, individuales mayores, o individuales que han perdido su trabajo. Se les pide que manden un mensaje de texto con el escrito "HOPE" al 908-325-5163 para que reciban una caja de esperanza que contenga los suministros necesarios en su puerta.

Tenga en cuenta que este es un número de solo texto. ¡No llames!
Plainfield Coalition of Emergency Food Providers
COVID-19 Website for NJ Residents
Over the weekend, Governor Murphy announced a website aimed to answer all of your COVID-19 related questions. The site will inform you on all orders directed by the governor, information for small businesses, healthcare organizations, testing information and more.   Click here to visit the website now.
COVID-19 Anxiety Busters
Staying Calm During Hard Times
This infographic was created by Shennell McCloud of Project Ready New Jersey. For more information about Shennell and her other projects, please visit: http://projectreadynj.org/about/
County of Union to open state’s first County-Run, Drive-Through Testing Center for COVID-19 at Kean University on Monday
The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in conjunction with governmental, educational and healthcare partners, have opened the state’s first County-run, drive-through facility for testing of the COVID-19 virus at Kean University. If you have a VALID PRESCRIPTION for Covid-19 testing please email  COVID19TEST@UCNJ.ORG  with the following information:

Your name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth and a photo of your script, and then you may directly go to our Union County Drive-Through Testing Center for COVID-19 at Kean University .

Take a Self Assessment Before Visiting a Testing Center in NJ
The State of New Jersey
Resource #1 | Keeping You Connected to the Internet
COMCAST ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE COVID-19 RESPONSE TO HELP KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET
 
Company Opens Xfinity WiFi Network Nationally for Free, Offers Unlimited Data for Free, Confirms Its Commitment to Connecting Low-Income Families
 
Comcast is taking steps to implement the following new policies for the next 60 days, and other important initiatives: 
 
  • Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
  • Pausing Our Data Plan: With so many people working and educating from home, we want our customers to access the internet without thinking about data plans. While the vast majority of our customers do not come close to using 1TB of data in a month, we are pausing our data plans for 60 days giving all customers Unlimited data for no additional charge.
 
  • No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
 
  • Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: As announced yesterday, it’s even easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward.
 
  • News, Information and Educational Content on X1 and Flex: For those with school-age students at home, we’ve created new educational collections for all grade levels in partnership with Common Sense Media. Just say “education” into your X1 or Flex voice remote. To help keep customers informed, we also have created a collection of the most current news and information on Coronavirus. Just say “Coronavirus” into your X1 or Flex voice remote. 
 
  • 24x7 Network Monitoring: Underpinning all of these efforts, Comcast’s technology and engineering teams will continue to work tirelessly to support our network operations. We engineer our network capacity to handle spikes and shifts in usage patterns, and continuously test, monitor and enhance our systems and network to ensure they are ready to support customer usage. Our engineers and technicians staff our network operations centers 24/7 to ensure network performance and reliability. We are monitoring network usage and watching the load on the network both nationally and locally, and to date it is performing well. 
 
For more information and updates from Comcast related to Coronavirus, visit:
Resource #2 | Free Virtual Conferencing for Non-profits and Educational Organizations
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, JCT Solutions is providing the business version of Avaya Spaces—one of today’s top remote working and online collaboration tools—at no charge to educational and nonprofit organizations.
 
As a leading provider of networking and communications solutions, JCT Solutions is deeply involved with communities throughout the greater New Jersey/New York area. This free Avaya Spaces offer provides voice and video conferencing for up to 200 participants, chat spaces, and file sharing, accessible from a browser or mobile app.
 
If you are part of an eligible educational or charitable organization and would like to take advantage of this offer, please let me know as soon as possible.
 
Sincerely,
Brian Mahoney
Sales Director
JCT Solutions
bmahoney@jctnj.com
201.991.7400
Resource #3 | NJ Department of Labor Benefits Related to COVID-19
The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development is helping NJ residents who are financially affected by the COVID-19. If you have been affected by one of these 10 scenarios, you are eligible to apply for unemployment:

  1. If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
  2. If you were exposed to the coronavirus during the course of work and have been told to self-quaratine
  3. If you are unable to work because your child's school has been closed
  4. If you are out of work because your employer voluntarily closed because of COVD-19
  5. If you are unable to work because your place of business was ordered to be closed by a public official
  6. If you refuse to go to work because your place of business was ordered to be closed, but remains open in defiance of that directive
  7. If you are losing hours because of a reduction of worktime related to COVID-10
  8. If you are unable to work because a healthcare provider says you are at greater risk due to pre-existing health condition
  9. If you are told to self-quarantine due to virus exposure outside of the workplace
  10. If you have to care for a relative or a loved one with the coronavirus or symptoms of COVID-19

Please visit https://myunemployment.nj.gov/ to apply for unemployment if you fall within these categories.
Resource # 4 | A Guide for Small Businesses
The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) is working with federally declared disaster areas to assist small businesses, private non-profits, homeowners, and renters impacted by the COVID-19. Unfortunately, New Jersey has not yet been declared eligible for this kind of assistance. We will keep you up to date on the status of eligibility; you can also stay updated by visiting https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ and searching through the "Qualified Disasters Area" tab. If New Jersey becomes qualified, you can then apply for disaster loan assistance.
Resource #5 | Support for Kids
Knowledge of the coronavirus will help your children be less afraid of it. The activities below will give them understanding of the virus and how to prevent themselves, and others, from getting infected. Click here to view the virtual activities.


Resource # 6 | Mental Well-being
The New Jersey department of human services operates a toll free “warm line” which is a resource for people seeking mental health service. The warm line is activated during events that impact the mental health of New Jersey residents. The warm line is available 24 hours and has language access; dial (877) 294-help (4357).
 
Additionally – here are some links to the New Jersey Department of Health which provide updates and useful information.
 
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_community.shtml
 
https://www.facebook.com/NJDeptofHealth/
 
https://twitter.com/njdeptofhealth?lang=en
You Should Know...
The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission is closed and anticipates reopening on Monday, March 30, 2020.

  • All driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registrations, and inspection stickers expiring before May 31 have been extended by two months.

  • Most renewals, replacements, changes of address, and other transactions can be processed online at NJMVC.gov.

  • Headquarters (TOC) and online services will continue operations.

  • If your REAL ID Appointment was cancelled due to Agency closure from March 16, 2020 through March 29, 2020, keep your cancellation email. When we re-open, you can bring this email to your appointment agency anytime within 30 days and get a REAL ID without an appointment.  
The Plainfield Public Library is CLOSED until further notice.
PMUA: An Important Message About Schedule Changes
Plainfield Schools
Click here for the most recent update from the Plainfield Board of Education. You will find information regarding instructional packets for students from pre-k to high school, resources to assist your child during the closure, meals available to your children during the closure, and more.
The 2020 Census | Fill Out the Census Online
The Census is LIVE ! Fill out the Census online today here . It takes about ten minutes to complete. You also have the option to respond to the census by phone or mail. Your census count is what will give your city the necessary funds it needs for education, health clinics, road paving, and more. Your count matters!
Last But Not Least
While the City of Plainfield is currently operating on a modified work schedule and trying to avoid person to person contact we are still here for you and are ready to help. We're only one call away and can assist you in finding resources specific for you. You can also visit our website at plainfieldnj.gov for a range of services you can complete online in the comfort of your home, which helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please see the graphic below to skip the trip to city hall and continue to stay safe.

Please call us at 908-753-3000 for assistance!
Skip the Trip to City Hall
Coronavirus | Best Prevention Practices
HOW IS THE CORONA VIRUS SPREAD?

Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily does the virus spread?
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
What to Do If You Are Sick With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever 1  and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact 2  with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help  prevent the disease from spreading  to people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See  COVID-19 and Animals  for more information.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Wear a Facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive .

Discontinuing home isolation
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.