Fighting COVID-19
Resources for Plainfield Residents
Greetings!

Since our last update on Tuesday, May 4, there are nine (9) new COVID-19 cases to report. An additional seven (7) persons have been quarantined. Sadly, there are four (4) fatalities to report today.

As of today, six thousand and fifty seven (6,057) residents have recovered and twelve thousand, six hundred and thirty-seven (12,637) residents are out of quarantine.
The vaccine offers a promise of returning to normalcy however, until we are all vaccinated, it is important that we get tested if we experience any COVID-19 symptoms. We should continue to wear face masks, limit indoor gatherings, and practice social distancing while in public. New cases have slowed, but we need to stay the course. Let us each do our part to protect our family, friends and community.

At City Hall we’re open for business and maintaining essential services while taking steps to safeguard the health of our employees. We 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.

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.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Queridos amigos y vecinos,

Desde nuestra última actualización el martes, 4 de mayo, hay nueve (9) nuevos casos de COVID-19 que informar. Otras siete (7) personas han sido puestas en cuarentena. Tristemente, hay cuatro (4) fallecimiento se reportar.

A día de hoy, seis mil cincuenta y siete (6,057) residentes se han recuperado, y doce mil seiscientos treinta y siete (12,637) residentes están fuera de cuarentena.
La vacuna ofrece la promesa de volver a la normalidad, sin embargo, hasta que todos estemos vacunados, es importante que nos hagamos la prueba si experimentamos algún síntoma de COVID-19. Debemos seguir usando máscaras faciales, limitar las reuniones en interiores y practicar el distanciamiento social en público. Los casos nuevos se han ralentizado, pero debemos mantener el rumbo. Hagamos cada uno su parte para proteger a nuestra familia, amigos y comunidad.
 
En el ayuntamiento estamos abiertos y mantenemos los servicios esenciales mientras tomamos medidas para salvaguardar la salud de nuestros empleados. Le recomendamos que intente completar su negocio en línea tanto como sea posible. Si no puede encontrar lo que busca en línea, por favor llámenos antes de venir al Ayuntamiento, lo más probable es que podamos entregarle la información y ahorrarle el viaje.

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.

Manténgase a salvo y que Dios continúe bendiciéndole.

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
CBAC Budget Presentation to the City Council
Tonight at 7:00PM
The Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) will present its budget recommendations to the City Council tonight, May 5th at 7:00pm via the Zoom Platform.
Use the below link to view the meeting:
Meeting ID: 991 0195 5881
Or Dial +1 312-626-6799 or +1 929 205 6099
Join Us for a Special Town Hall Meeting | Marijuana Legislation on Wednesday, May 11th
We invite you to join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp on Wednesday, May 11th at 6:00pm for a candid discussion about marijuana legislation and the potential impact on the City of Plainfield. Several departments will also provide updates.
Click Here to view on the Zoom platform. Passcode is 329394.

The event will be livestreamed on the City's Facebook Page and YouTube Page.

We welcome your input by completing a survey either by using the below link or QR code.

From Variants to Vaccinations: An Update on the Pandemic with "America's COVID-19 Doctor"
Recommendations for Pooled Screen Testing
in K-12 Schools
Click Here to Continue Reading Article
Get Tested and Vaccinated for COVID-19
Eligibility is expanding to include all individuals age 16+ with parental consent. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently approved for this age group. To register for the vaccine through the state, please click here. All Union County residents can follow this link, https://ucnjvaccine.org/, to schedule a vaccination appointment. ID showing proof of age required.
You can also pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine with the State of NJ at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. As additional information becomes available, we will keep you updated.

Hackensack Meridian Health is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible New Jersey residents, students and workers. Anyone 16 & older who lives, works or studies in New Jersey is eligible.
Appointments are available at 11 sites throughout New Jersey. Use the below link to register:

In addition, free COVID-19 testing at Kean University is operating on Mondays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Please visit UCNJ.org for more information. The test will also provide results for Influenza A and B (flu). Insurance is not required.
 A partir del 19 de abril, la elegibilidad se amplió para incluir a todas las personas mayores de 16 años con el consentimiento de los  padres. La vacuna Pfizer es la única actualmente aprobada para este grupo de edad.
Para inscribirse en la vacuna a través del estado, haga clic aqui.También se pueden preinscribir para la vacuna COVID-19 con el Estado de NJ en https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. 
Se requiere identificación que muestre prueba de edad.
 También se pueden preinscribir para la vacuna COVID-19 con el Estado de NJ en https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.
A medida que haya información adicional disponible, lo mantendremos actualizado.

Hackensack Meridian Health ofrece la vacuna COVID-19 a todos los residentes, estudiantes y trabajadores elegibles de Nueva Jersey. Cualquier persona mayor de 16 años que viva, trabaje o estudie en Nueva Jersey es elegible. Las citas están disponibles en 11 sitios en todo Nueva Jersey. Utilice el siguiente enlace para registrarse:
Las pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 en la Universidad de Kean ahora están operando en un horario extendido para adaptarse a los residentes del condado de Union. Los exámenes son los lunes de 8:00AM a 12:00PM y jueves de 8:30AM a 12:00PM. Visite UCNJ.org para obtener más información. La prueba también proporcionará resultados para la influenza A y B (gripe). No se requiere seguro.
COVID-19 Resources for Plainfield's Seniors
What You Can Do Once You've Been Vaccinated
Union County COVID-19 Resources
Union County Call Center for Seniors
In order to better assist seniors 65 years of age and older, and those who may not have internet access, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the opening on Friday, January 29th of a COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center for residents to schedule an appointment.

The Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center will also work to answer questions from residents who need more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and can also help arrange transportation if necessary for residents with a confirmed vaccination appointment.

The phone number is 908-613-7VAX (7829), and the hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9:00 A.M. -7:00 P.M. and Saturdays from 9:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M.

Within the hotline system, there will be tailored assistance for:
  • Seniors over 65 years of age;
  • Those in the 18-64 age range with qualifying medical conditions who may lack internet access;
  • Residents who need assistance in Spanish;
  • Residents who may need assistance with transportation to and from vaccination sites

Those currently eligible to receive the vaccination are individuals ages 65 and older, persons 18-64 with high-risk medical conditions, uniformed police officers, firefighters, health care workers and others identified in Group 1A.

Those wishing to make an appointment online for the Union County Vaccination center may also do so at www.ucnj.org

Emergency Food Resources
FEMA Funeral Reimbursement Program
The FEMA Funeral Reimbursement Program will launch in a week or two. FEMA is reimbursing up to $7,000.00 for COVID-19 funerals. Any family member who paid for a funeral. Please keep funeral documentation.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:

  • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.

  • There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.


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El Programa de Reembolso de Funerales de FEMA se lanzará en una semana o dos. FEMA está reembolsando hasta $ 7,000.00 por funerales COVID-19. Cualquier miembro de la familia que pagó por un funeral. Conserve la documentación del funeral.

¿Quien es elegible?

Para ser elegible para asistencia funeraria, debe cumplir con estas condiciones:

  • La muerte debe haber ocurrido en los Estados Unidos, incluidos los territorios de los EE. UU. Y el Distrito de Columbia.

  • El certificado de defunción debe indicar que la muerte se atribuyó a COVID-19.

  • El solicitante debe ser ciudadano estadounidense, ciudadano no ciudadano o extranjero calificado que haya incurrido en gastos funerarios después del 20 de enero de 2020.

  • No existe ningún requisito para que la persona fallecida sea ciudadana estadounidense, nacional no ciudadana o extranjera calificada.

Asistencia funeraria COVID-19:

http://FEMA.gov https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
Union County Board of Commissioners Announced COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Homebound Residents
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announced the beginning of its Homebound Vaccination Program in an effort to vaccinate its residents who are unable to leave their homes.

“Our most vulnerable communities must not be left behind and the effort to vaccinate the homebound is critical to the success of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a major step forward as we continue to build toward herd immunity in Union County.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chairman of the County’s Public Safety Committee which oversees the response to the pandemic, said: “I am excited to announce the homebound program. We have been working through our County’s Human Services and Public Safety Department to develop this program and serve residents, beginning at age 18 and older. We won’t stop until we vaccinate all of Union County’s homebound residents who want a vaccination and who are among the most vulnerable to the virus.”

The program will be administered through the County’s Human Services Department. The
nurse-led teams will begin vaccinating the homebound Wednesday (tomorrow) in three towns, Clark, Garwood and Cranford, and will move on to other towns after that. The County is partnering with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Holy Redeemer Visiting Nurses and Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey to offer the program.

The County has identified and targeted well over 2,000 residents through a number of resources in all 21 municipalities thus far, according to Human Services Director Debbie-Ann Anderson.
Residents who are homebound and wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may call the County’s Division on Aging and Disability Resources at 1-888-280-8226 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Currently, the County will begin by offering the Moderna vaccination, and then transition into the Johnson and Johnson one-shot vaccination.

You are considered to be homebound (18 years and older) if any of the following categories apply:
a)        The person’s doctor believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave the home.
b)        The person requires the help of another person and/or medical equipment to leave the home, or finds it difficult to leave the home and typically cannot do so.
c)        The person is served by a home health care organization.
d)        The person is served by social services agencies (e.g. non-medical home care, Meals on Wheels, Community Action Programs, Paratransit services, etc.).
e)        The person is physically or intellectually disabled.


Small Businesses in New Jersey Can Receive
65% Discount on PPE Products
Department of Children & Families | Children's System of Care Public Awareness
New Jersey's Children's System of Care (CSOC), through the Department of Children and Families, is the state agency serving children and youth with emotional or behavioral challenges, substance use issues, or living and thriving with developmental disabilities. We serve children, youth and their families through wraparound services, peer supports, mobile response and stabilization, and in-home, in-community and out-of-home programs. If your child is in need of assistance, don't wait. Call CSOC today -- (877) 652-7624.

Click Here for more information.
Mayor's Wellness Campaign | Vaccination Program
Skip the Trip to City Hall
With COVID-19 Numbers Trending Decisively in the Right Direction Governor Murphy Announces Additional Easing of Restrictions
Changes Include Removal of All Percentage Capacity Limits for Indoor and Outdoor Businesses, Lifting of Prohibition on Indoor Bar Seating, and Removal of Outdoor Gathering Limit
Changes Effective in Two Phases – On Friday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 19 

TRENTON – With COVID-19 numbers trending decisively in the right direction and New Jersey progressing toward its adult-age vaccination goals, Governor Murphy today announced an additional easing of restrictions, including a removal of all percentage capacity limits for indoor and outdoor businesses, a lifting of the prohibition on indoor bar seating, and an end to the outdoor gathering limit. As detailed below, some changes will take effect on Friday, May 7, with others taking effect on Wednesday, May 19, in coordination with both New York and Connecticut.

“With our COVID-19 numbers, particularly hospitalizations, trending decisively in the right direction and our vaccination goals within reach, now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” said Governor Murphy. “We’ve done this the right way, in partnership with our neighboring states of New York and Connecticut, and by allowing data, science, and public health to guide our decision-making. Over these next few weeks, I encourage all remaining eligible New Jerseyans to get vaccinated so we can continue fighting back against this virus and move toward a ‘new normal’ for ourselves, our neighbors, and our loved ones.”

“With COVID-19 cases on the decline, more than 7 million vaccines administered and the good weather allowing more outdoor activities, we are able to take these steps to reopen the state,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “But, we can’t let our guard down now. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already, practice physical distancing and wear a mask when in large crowds.’’

Governor Murphy signed an executive order that makes the following changes effective Friday, May 7 (some of which were previously scheduled to take effect on Monday, May 10):

  • Outdoor gatherings limit – The limit will increase to 500 persons, up from 200.
  • Large venue outdoor capacity – The maximum capacity allowed will increase to 50% for venues with 1,000 fixed seats or more, as long as six feet of distance is maintained, up from 30% capacity for venues with a 2,500 fixed seating capacity. 
  • Increase in maximum capacity for certain indoor activities – Currently, indoor catered events are limited to 35% of the capacity of the room in which they are held, up to 150 persons. The capacity limit for those events, including proms, will be raised to 50%, up to a maximum of 250 individuals. The capacity limit for indoor political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and performances will also increase accordingly.
  • Dance floors at private catered events – Dance floors would be permitted to open at such events, with masking and social distancing requirements in place. Dance floors would remain closed at bars and other related businesses, such as nightclubs.
  • Permit carnivals and fairs to operate at the amusement business capacity – Currently, these events may be treated like a gathering, and thus subject to more restrictive limits. Carnivals and fairs may now operate at the same capacity as large outdoor amusements.
  • Bar seating– The prohibition on indoor bar seating will be lifted, with final guidance on necessary safeguards, such as spacing and the use of plexiglass, to follow from the New Jersey Department of Health.
  • Buffets – The restriction on self-service food, like buffets, at restaurants, would be lifted, but individuals will still be required to remain seated while eating and drinking.

Additionally, barring an unexpected uptick in COVID-19 numbers, the following changes will go into effect on Wednesday, May 19, largely in line with actions taking place in the neighboring states of New York and Connecticut:

  • Complete removal of outdoor gathering limit– Attendees at outdoor gatherings will still be required to remain six feet apart from other groups. 
  • Indoor gathering limit– The general indoor gathering limit will be raised to 50 persons, up from 25 persons. The limit applies to general social gatherings, such as birthday parties and events in people’s homes. Commercial gatherings and gatherings organized and operated by an overseeing entity (e.g. conferences, expositions, meetings of fraternal organizations, job trainings, events hosted by senior centers) will be subject to the 250-person indoor gathering limit that applies to indoor catered events, as long as all attendees can remain six feet apart.
  • Complete removal of all percentage capacity limits for indoor and outdoor businesses, and houses of worship – Any business, whether indoors or outdoors, that is subject to a percentage capacity limitation will instead be guided by the rule regarding six feet of distance between persons or groups of persons. This would include:

  • Indoor dining – Currently, indoor dining is limited to 50% capacity. This change will remove the 50% limitation but maintain the six feet of required distance between tables, except that tables will still be permitted to be closer than six feet where restaurants use partitions that comply with DOH requirements. Additionally, the prohibition on tables of more than 8 persons will be lifted. As a reminder, outdoor dining has never been bound to a capacity percentage. 
  • Houses of worship and religious services, which are currently at 50% capacity. Retail businesses, which are currently at 50% capacity.
  • Gyms, which are currently at 50% capacity.
  • Personal care services, which are currently at 50% capacity.
  • Indoor and outdoor amusement and recreation businesses, which are both currently limited to 50% capacity.
  • Indoor and outdoor pools, which are both currently limited to 50% capacity.
  • Indoor catered events, funerals, memorial services, performances, and political activities – Per today’s Executive Order, these events will be limited to 50% of a room’s capacity, up to 250 individuals. Beginning on Wednesday, May 19, the 250-person limit will remain in place, but there will be no percentage-based capacity restrictions. Individuals and groups will need to remain six feet apart. 

  • Indoor large venue capacity – The capacity limit for indoor large venues will increase from 20% to 30% and the definition of a large venue would shift from those with 2,500 fixed seats to those with 1,000 fixed seats. The requirement that individuals or groups of individuals that purchase tickets together remain six feet apart would remain in place.
 
For the full text of Executive Order No. 238, click here


Last But Not Least
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in your city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.

Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.

You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.

Click here to download the app.

As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000.