Early information on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggests that older adults and people with health conditions have a heightened risk of getting very sick. An important step in preventing the spread of COVID-19 is to eliminate large groups of people coming together and to minimize the number of people congregating in close settings.
As a result, on Friday, March 13, 2020, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (Division) made the difficult decision to close all Division-funded, facility-based day program settings. Operators of these programs were directed to close the sites no later than Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Additionally, the Division directed that community outings facilitated by any Division provider should be discontinued immediately, apart from trips necessary for the health and safety of an individual.
You can read this directive at the following link:
Division Updates
As always, the Division will periodically update its website, send out information in emails, and schedule webinars as needed. If you are not already subscribed to DDD News, email
and include "Division Update Subscribe" in the subject line.
NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline
People who want additional guidance on how to manage the risks posed by COVID-19 can also contact the Department of Health at 1-800-222-1222 or via email at
NCOV@doh.nj.gov. If you are calling from out-of-state, please call 1-800-962-1253. Trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about COVID-19. Calling the hotline is the best way to get answers to your questions about COVID-19. By email, please allow up to 48 hours for a response.
- Please be aware that the hotline is for general questions and is not able to assist with locating testing, getting test results, or providing medical advice.
Additional resources for up-to-date information
