Fighting COVID-19
Resources for Plainfield Residents
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Greetings!
As of Wednesday, May 20, 2020, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Plainfield now stands at
two thousand and fifty-nine (2059)
within the ages of twenty-four (24) days old to ninety-six (96) years old. There are an additional
two thousand, seven hundred and twenty-two (2722)
individuals quarantined as a result of exposure to the virus. There are five new deaths to report today due to the virus, a thirty-seven (37) year old Caucasian female, a forty (40) year old Caucasian man, an eighty-eight (88) year old African-American female, and two unknown individuals, a male and female, of ages eighty-two (82) and ninety-one (91), respectively. This brings the total amount of fatalities to seventy-eight (78).
Governor Phil Murphy has partnered with Walmart and Quest Diagnostics to expand testing capacity in New Jersey. Seven Walmart stores across the state will be opened to drive-through testing in their parking lots beginning on
Friday, May 22, 2020
. The Walmart locations are as follows:
Garfield, North Bergen
,
Kearny, Flemington, Burlington, Howell, and Mount Laurel
. For full details on the requirements and guidelines for testing, please click
HERE.
As part of our COVID-19 relief efforts, the City of Plainfield is distributing free lunches to Plainfield residents. Lunch is distributed every day, Monday through Friday, from 11:00AM- 1:00PM. Distribution started at the Gerald B. Green Plaza this past Monday, and will begin at the Rushmore Playground next week, Tuesday, May 26.
If you are in need and would like to apply for COVID-19 Relief Fund aid, please go the the COVID-19 page on the city website
HERE
and complete the application
. Proof of residency and hardship is required.
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.
Stay safe and may God continue to bless you.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
Sincerely,
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Queridos amigos y vecinos,
A partir del miércoles 20 de mayo de 2020, el número de casos positivos de COVID-19 en Plainfield ahora es de
El gobernador Phil Murphy se ha asociado con Walmart y Quest Diagnostics para ampliar la capacidad de prueba en Nueva Jersey. Siete tiendas Walmart en todo el estado estarán abiertas para realizar pruebas de manejo en sus estacionamientos a partir del
viernes 22 de mayo de 2020.
Las ubicaciones de Walmart son las siguientes:
Garfield, North Bergen, Kearny, Flemington, Burlington, Howell y Mount Laurel.
Para obtener detalles completos sobre los requisitos y las pautas para las pruebas, haga clic
AQUÍ
.
Como parte de nuestros esfuerzos de ayuda de COVID-19, la Ciudad de Plainfield está distribuyendo almuerzos gratis a los residentes de Plainfield. El almuerzo se distribuye todos los días, de lunes a viernes, de 11:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. La distribución comenzó en el Gerald B. Green Plaza el lunes pasado, y comenzará en el parque Rushmore la próxima semana, martes 26 de mayo.
Si necesita ayuda y desea solicitar ayuda, vaya a la página COVID-19 en el sitio web de la ciudad
AQUÍ
y complete la solicitud. Se requiere prueba de residencia y dificultades.
Manténgase a salvo y que Dios continúe bendiciéndole.
Sinceramente,
Adrian O. Mapp, Alcalde
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Budget Deliberation Meeting | TONIGHT!
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Please join us
TONIGHT at 7PM
for a budget deliberation meeting for the City's Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Communications and Technology.
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Únase a nosotros
ESTA NOCHE a las 7 p.m.
para una reunión de deliberación de presupuesto para el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales de la Ciudad y el Departamento de Comunicaciones y Tecnología.
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COVID-19 Testing in Plainfield |
Pruebas de COVID-19 en Plainfield
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The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask
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Face masks are crucial
in the battle against COVID-19. The CDC recommends that everyone wear a face mask or cloth covering when they go out in public along with continuing social distancing and other preventive measures.
A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings.
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COVID-19 City Hall Modified Hours
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Skip the Trip to City Hall
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COVID-19 Relief Fund | Daily Lunch Distribution
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On Monday, May 18, 2020, the City of Plainfield held the first COVID-19 Relief Fund Daily Lunch Distribution at the Gerald B. Green Plaza. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and members of the City Council and Administration joined together to distribute sandwiches, fruits, and beverages to the Plainfield community. Lunches are currently being distributed every day at the Gerald B. Green Plaza from 11:00AM- 1:00PM, and will be distributed at the Rushmore Playground beginning Tuesday, May 26!
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp at the Daily Lunch Distribution
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Council President Steve Hockaday, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, and Councilman Charles McRae at the
First Daily Lunch Distribution
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Plainfield Coalition of Emergency Food Providers
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COVID-19 UEZ Relief Program
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Resource Road Map | Helping You Navigate
Through COVID-19
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Plainfield Public Library Live Online Assistance
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Plainfield Public Library
me.rogan@plfdpl.info
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Live On-Line Job Search Assistance, Resume Review, and Computer classes from the Plainfield Public Library
The Plainfield Public Library is aware of not only the terrible human toll, but also the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on many Plainfield residents.
To help during this time of closures and uncertainties, the Plainfield Public Library has added a service to our online chat reference feature through our website, where you can speak to one of our
live employment assistance coaches
for help on your job search and resume review.
In May,
the Library will begin offering
free live on-line computer training workshops
on topics such as the Microsoft Office Suite and Digital literacy. A schedule and sign-up information will be posted soon. To access this service and for more information and hours of operations, visit
http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/Services/ComputerTraining.html
.
These new services are funded in partnership with the City of Plainfield and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.The Library already has a variety of self-directed, on-line services currently available to get your training started. Your Library card gives you free access to a range of databases and learning platforms such as Rosetta Stone and Knowledge City. Visit
http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/Research/Databases.html
for more information.
As we all adjust to the current situation, the Library will continue to adjust and expand our remote services and work hard to help keep Plainfield working. Please continue to check the Computer Training page at
http://www.plainfieldlibrary.info/Services/ComputerTraining.html
to stay up to date on additional remote services offered through the Adult Literacy Department as they become available.
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Partnership with Evangel Church | Just Text HOPE!
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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!
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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!
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Vote-By-Mail | Sign Up Today!
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Dear Community,
Voting by mail is a secure and established part of our American electoral system. But a vote-by-mail approach only works if every voter feels confident using it.
We know that information can be powerful, and that a well-timed message can be the difference between someone voting or sitting out an election
As more Americans are following government guidelines to stay home and maintain social distancing, voting by mail is more popular than ever. Voting by mail — along with early voting and safe in-person voting — needs to be readily available as we work together to navigate the coronavirus pandemic. Nothing should stand in the way of Americans exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Vote.org
uses cost-effective technology and marketing to get more people to vote. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, we knew we’d have to change some of the ways we engage voters.
That’s why we’re prioritizing tactics that reach people where they are right now — at home. Direct mail will be a key part of our voter outreach this year.
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Census 2020 | Let's Make Plainfield Count!
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There is still time for you and your family to be counted in the 2020 Census! The Census is administered every decade to give our city the unique opportunity of receiving funds for what matters to you the most. We will receive funding for more of our roads to be fixed. We will receive support for our health establishments. Our schools will have the funds to provide your children with the best education. But this can only happen if you make yourself count TODAY!
The more people that complete the census form,
which only takes 10 minutes,
the more funds our city will receive to directly benefit YOU! Let's not miss out on this unique opportunity, and please remember, all of your census data is completely confidential. The Census Bureau is forbidden by law to share your information.
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¡Todavía hay tiempo para que usted y su familia sean contados en el Censo 2020! El censo se realiza cada década para dar a nuestra ciudad la oportunidad única de recibir fondos para lo que más le importa. Recibiremos fondos para que se reparen más carreteras. Recibiremos apoyo para nuestros establecimientos de salud. Nuestras escuelas tendrán los fondos para brindarles a sus hijos la mejor educación. ¡Pero esto solo puede suceder si te haces contar HOY!
¡Cuantas más personas completen el formulario del censo,
que solo toma 10 minutos
, más fondos recibirá nuestra ciudad para beneficiarlo directamente a USTED! No perdamos esta oportunidad única y recuerde que toda su información del censo es completamente confidencial. La Oficina del Censo tiene prohibido por ley compartir su información.
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Kalen wants everyone to know how easy it is to complete the 2020 Census online and help
shape the future of your community. Learn more at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
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Free Legal Help to Low-Income Residents
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Paycheck Protection Program is Still Available!
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Paycheck Protection Program Loan Information
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.
For assistance, please contact one of the following agencies:
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NJ State Bar Resource Page
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The New Jersey State Bar Foundation believes that "Informed Citizens Are Better Citizens." They've created a COVID-19 resource page to help residents with health and wellness issues, business issues, domestic issues, and more.
Click here to visit the resource page.
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Federal Support for Small Businesses, Frontline Hospitals, and Expansion of COVID-19 Testing
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On April 21, 2020, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan package to provide $484 billion in additional federal support for small businesses, frontline hospitals and to expand COVID-19 testing.
Small Business Provisions
CV3.5 provides an additional $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), up from $349 billion included in the CARES Act to a total of $659 billion. Of this additional $310 billion, $60 billion is set aside for smaller and community-oriented lenders to make PPP loans.
- $30 billion for loans made by smaller lenders with between $10 billion - $50 billion in assets;
- $30 billion for loans made by CDFIs, Small Insured Depository Institutions, and credit unions with assets less than $10 billion
Additionally, the bill provides $50 billion more in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and $10 billion more in EIDL grants.
Health Provisions
CV3.5 provides $100 billion to shore up our health care system’s fight against COVID-19, including:
- $75 billion for health care providers for expenses and lost revenues related to coronavirus. There is not new guardrail language that would prevent HHS from distributing the funding to areas with low COVID-19 impact.
- $25 billion to expand testing capacity, including money to develop, produce, purchase, and administer testing capacity including for tests that can determine priori exposure.
- Of that, $11 billion goes to States, localities, territories, tribes, etc.
- $2 billion of that distributed by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program formula
- $4.25 billion will be distributed based on relative number of COVID-19 cases
- $1 billion to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for surveillance, lab capacity expansion, and workforce
- $1.8 billion to NICH to develop rapid testing
- $1 billion to BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) for COVID-19 tests and supplies
- $825 million to Community Health Centers
- $1 billion to cover testing for uninsured
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Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
COVID-19 Navigation Guide for Small Businesses
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Governor Murphy and Superintendent Callahan Announce Administrative Order Authorizing In-Person Sales at Car Dealerships, Motorcycle Dealerships, Boat Dealerships, and Bike Shops
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TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan today announced an Administrative Order authorizing in-person sales to resume at car dealerships, motorcycle dealerships, boat dealerships, and bike shops, by appointment only and with social distancing measures in place. The Order will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.
“We know this is an important step for our dealerships and bike shops, and New Jerseyans who need access to transportation,” said Governor Murphy. “We will continue to responsibly and deliberately give different sectors a green light to open in a manner that is consistent with public health.”
"Car dealerships and bike shops play an important role in the transportation sector," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "This is another step towards progress as we work together to protect the public health of all New Jerseyans."
Dealerships and bike shops who resume in-person sales must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements that are described in detail in the Administrative Order.
The Order states that businesses may permit customers to test drive vehicles, boats, or bicycles sold or leased by the business, provided that the individual is given access to the vehicle alone, or in the case of a boat, with an employee of the business but only when social distancing can be maintained, and the business appropriately cleans and sanitizes the vehicle, boat, or bicycle after such test drive if the customer does not purchase the item.
A copy of the Administrative Order can be found
here
.
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What Should I Do If I Lost My Job Due to Coronavirus?
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If you’ve lost your job in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, efforts are being made to help. Access to unemployment benefits — which vary by state but usually cover around 45% of your typical pay — has been greatly expanded, thanks to a new coronavirus relief package.
Under the new coronavirus unemployment insurance guidelines, if you’re laid off, on hiatus, quarantined or caring for a sick family member, you may be eligible to receive unemployment. In many states, unemployment waiting periods are also being waived so that you can get relief faster.
Officials recommend that you file your unemployment claim as soon as you can to expedite the process. Even if you think you won’t qualify, you may have much more of a chance of filing successfully due to the current public health crisis. If you’re denied at first, don’t be afraid to appeal.
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Support Center for Nonprofit Management
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One of the benefits of the Support Center team is our collective experience. While we haven’t faced a pandemic like this before, we have seen economic downturns, leadership transitions, losses in funding, and uncertainty. For that reason, we’re available to spend some time together hearing about the challenges you are facing and what resources--both internal to Support Center as well as across the social sector--could be helpful.
Feel free to sign up to discuss general issues or COVID-19 related issues that you and your organization may be facing. We’re particularly good at helping you to navigate these issues bearing in mind your goals, mission, budget, and organizational culture.
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“What is the link between nonprofit boards and sustainability,” you might ask. The answer is leadership. Leadership isn’t simply something an organization comes by, nor is it a static quality that once developed, stays forever. Leadership is a resource in need of development, management, and a clear picture of drivers and motivators. The best boards look to the future and develop leadership as a sustainable resource. Doing so ensures that the board continuously adds qualified new members to its roster and keeps them engaged. Board building shouldn’t just happen when it is time to fill a vacancy; it should be an ongoing, year-round process.
Applying rules of sustainability to the topic of board development, this webinar guides participants through a process that focuses on the different steps needed to build an effective board that is sustainable over the long term. Understanding these steps can help boards avoid the common ups and downs of building and maintaining an enthusiastic board.
This webinar is a “how to” in the creation of impactful, successful, presentations for any medium, including video conferencing. The facilitator, Laurie Krauz, has a track record of helping clients write and deliver motivating messages using her practical techniques for over 30 years.
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COVID-19 Health Insurance Assistance
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COVID-19 Drug Control Fact Sheet
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Protecting Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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The City of Plainfield is committed to providing information and resources to help you address financial hardships during this challenging time. Below is a list that may prove helpful. You will find information on mortgage and renter relief, credit card and student loan assistance as well as scam prevention. We will update the information as it changes.
The CFPB is committed to providing consumers with up-to-date information and resources to protect and manage their finances during this difficult time as the situation evolves.
Financial Relief During The Corona Virus Pandemic:
The Governor has enacted a moratorium on removal of individuals due to evictions or foreclosures:
Governor Murphy Announces Effort To Help Renters, Homeowners Threatened By Potential Foreclosure. NJHMFA Is Expanding Housing Counseling Program To Provide Resources, Guidance For Residents Affected By Covid-19
Consumer Relief Is Available During The Coronavirus Pandemic. FHA, VA Join Fannie, Freddie In Relaxing Some Standards. Drive By Appraisals Can Be Used.
What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Loans During The Coronavirus?
Below Is A List Of Banks Offering Help To Customers Impacted By Coronavirus:
Auto Loan Help During Coronavirus Pandemic:
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Social Security Services During COVID-19
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Coronavirus and Your Mortgage
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Because of the Coronavirus, many people are facing financial challenges, especially paying their mortgage. If you’re unable to make your mortgage payments, you could lose your home to foreclosure. Federal lenders and some private lenders are offering borrowers temporary help, like stopping or delaying foreclosure or modifying the mortgage. But these measures don’t apply to everyone. If you need help, research the options available to you for getting through these tough times. These tips can help:
Learn about newly available relief for federally backed mortgages.
A
new federal law
, the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
, creates two protections for some borrowers. To be eligible, you must have a federally-backed mortgage and be experiencing financial hardship because of the Coronavirus.
- The first is a temporary suspension – called a moratorium – of foreclosures for 60 days, starting March 18.
- The second is a right to forbearance for 180 days. That means you can ask your servicer to reduce or suspend your mortgage payments for that time. If after six months, you’re still having trouble paying, you can request forbearance for another 180 days.
First, figure out if your mortgage is federally backed
. If you don’t know, you can call your mortgage servicer or follow the links below. You can get your servicer’s contact information from your billing statement.
More than half of U.S. mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and these mortgages count as federally backed.
Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac
2. Contact your servicer no matter what type of mortgage you have
. Tell them your situation and ask what options are available to you. Even if your mortgage is not federally backed, you may still qualify for other help.
If you’re considering forbearance, keep in mind that it is not loan forgiveness, and ask your servicer
what happens after the forbearance ends
. Your servicer should be able to tell you if it will extend the loan term so you can make the missed payments later, if your monthly payments will go up to make up the difference, if you will owe the entire unpaid amount in a lump sum, and how forebearance could affect your credit.
3. Need advice? Contact an approved counselor.
Go to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD)
list of approved housing counseling agencies
to find a counselor in your state who can explain your options. Consider contacting the
Homeownership Preservation Foundation
(HPF) at 888-995-HOPE. HPF is a nonprofit organization that partners with mortgage companies, local governments, and other organizations to help consumers get loan modifications and prevent foreclosures.
4. Check what help is available where you live.
Your state may offer additional support. Some states have frozen foreclosures.
Find your state government’s website
and look around for the latest updates on help for borrowers.
5. Scammers follow the headlines.
It’s tempting to hire a company that says they can get a change to your loan that will reduce your monthly mortgage payment or take other steps to save your home. Unfortunately, many companies use half-truths and even outright lies to sell their services or they make promises but don’t deliver. Learn more about avoiding
mortgage relief scams
.
6. Don’t pay up-front for help.
Federal law says that even if you hire someone to help you with your mortgage, you don't have to pay them until they deliver the results you want. It's illegal for a company to charge you a penny until you’ve accepted their written offer for a loan modification or other relief from your lender, and you’re free to reject an offer you don’t like. Even if you hire someone, you should always feel free to contact your mortgage servicer directly to see whether they can offer you additional options.
Learn more about your rights
when it comes to hiring a mortgage relief company.
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2020 Rebates Most Frequesntly Asked Questions
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2020 Rebates: Most Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Congress proposing to pay rebates to individuals?
The public health and economic consequences of COVID-19 are significant. These rebates help Americans afford what they need during this public health crisis, as many are experiencing a significant cash crunch.
When will the rebates be distributed?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will work to deliver rebates quickly in the form of advance payments. For people who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, payment processing will be based on payment or address information already on file with the IRS. Electronic distributions will be automatic to an account the payee authorized January 1, 2018 or later.
How large are the rebates?
The amount of the rebate depends on family size. The payment is $1,200 for each adult individual ($2,400 for joint filers), and $500 per qualifying child under age 17. The advance payment of rebates is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income to the extent a taxpayer’s income exceeds $150,000 for a joint filer, $112,500 for a head of household filer, and $75,000 for anyone else (including single filers).
Do rebates need to be repaid?
No, rebates do not need to be repaid. If an individual experienced an income loss in 2020 or if they have an increase in family size, they may be able to claim an additional credit of the difference when the individual files their 2020 tax federal income tax return in 2021.
How will rebates be delivered?
It depends. Rebates will be delivered automatically—by the IRS—to most Americans who file individual federal income tax returns. When available, electronic direct deposit will be used in place of mailing a physical check.
Many individuals don't need to file a tax return. Are non-filers eligible for rebates?
Yes. There is no earned income requirement to be eligible for a rebate, but non-filers may need to take additional steps to receive their rebates. The Social Security Administration will share information for Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) beneficiaries with IRS to help ensure these beneficiaries receive an automatic advance payment. The IRS will conduct a public awareness campaign to reach other non-filers and provide them with information on how they can access rebates.
How will a person who has recently moved access rebates?
The IRS will determine payment delivery systems for everyone entitled to rebates.
Will the rebates affect my eligibility for federal income-targeted programs?
No, the rebate is considered a tax refund and is not counted towards eligibility for federal programs.
What identification requirements apply to receive rebates?
Taxpayers must have Social Security Numbers for themselves and their qualifying children in order to receive rebates.
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Message from the Union County YWCA:
Help is Still Available!
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COVID-19 Website for NJ Residents
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This New Jersey run website is 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.
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COVID-19 Economic Relief Package
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COVID-19 News for New Jersey Businesses
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The latest information collected by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce about how the outbreak is affecting New Jersey and your business.
For information on applying
for a Paycheck Protection Program loan,
click here
.
The N.J. Economic Development Authority
is offering assistance programs for New Jersey businesses. Information and applications can be
found here
.
The IRS posted information on 'stimulus checks'
here.
Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim?
- You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website –
www.myunemployment.nj.gov
. Then follow these instructions:
· On the top of the page, scroll to the right for “Need Help” and unveil the drop-down menu
· Choose Send an Email
· Choose Email: Submit a message through the new online form.
· Follow the prompts
To report a scammer or suspected price gouging
, alert the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at
http://njconsumeraffairs.gov
.
The state set up a 24-hour hotline
where health care professionals are answering questions about coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. From outside the state, call 1-800-962-1253.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is staying on top of Coronavirus (COVID-19) developments. For news media requests, please email
Scott Goldstein
.
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Take a Self Assessment Before Visiting a Testing Center in NJ
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Keeping You Connected to the Internet
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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:
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Free Virtual Conferencing for Non-profits and Educational Organizations
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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
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NJ Department of Labor Benefits Related to COVID-19
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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:
- If you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19
- If you were exposed to the coronavirus during the course of work and have been told to self-quaratine
- If you are unable to work because your child's school has been closed
- If you are out of work because your employer voluntarily closed because of COVD-19
- If you are unable to work because your place of business was ordered to be closed by a public official
- 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
- If you are losing hours because of a reduction of worktime related to COVID-10
- If you are unable to work because a healthcare provider says you are at greater risk due to pre-existing health condition
- If you are told to self-quarantine due to virus exposure outside of the workplace
- If you have to care for a relative or a loved one with the coronavirus or symptoms of COVID-19
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How You and Your Kids Can
De-Stress During COVID-19
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If you are feeling stress about the COVID-19 pandemic, your brain isn’t misfiring. Stress is a normal, healthy biological response to perceived threats and challenges. It’s a response that gets us ready to act — to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Thankfully, we have good tools for calming this stress response when it’s not helping us — tools that can be used in this or any other situation. The strategies we use to help children navigate their big feelings are the exact same tools I need to be using right now to navigate mine!
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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.
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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
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The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission is closed indefinitely.
- All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agencies, road testing, and inspection facilities remain closed to the public as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- Headquarters (TOC) and online services will continue operations. Essential Personnel should continue to report to work as previously directed.
- All driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registrations, inspection stickers, and temporary tags expiring before May 31 have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring in June or July are extended by two months.
- Most renewals, replacements, changes of address, and other transactions can be processed online at NJMVC.gov.
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The Plainfield Public Library is CLOSED until further notice.
Plainfield residents who don't have a library card but need access to our online resources can fill out this form to get a temporary card for database
Los residentes de Plainfield que no tienen una tarjeta de la biblioteca pero que necesitan acceso a nuestros recursos en línea pueden completar este formulario para obtener una tarjeta temporal para acceder a la base de datos.
#plainfieldlibrarynj
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/7iklZcCePb6WcYRb1e5s4
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PMUA: An Important Message About Schedule Changes
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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.
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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!
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