At Wednesday’s COVID-19 media briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy reminded the state’s school districts about the resubmittal process for their plans for the 2020 school year.
All schools proposing all-remote learning must cite specific health and safety reasons, certified by school district leaders. A timeline to get back to in-person instruction must also be a part of the proposal.
“All districts must meet the same health and safety standards we reiterated for districts last week and in all the guidance that has been released over the last few months,” Murphy said. “All plans must be reviewed by executive county superintendents, as well as both the departments of Education and Health.”
Other notes from Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing:
Latest health numbers
Since Monday’s briefing, there have been an additional 399 positive test results, bringing the cumulative number of cases in the state to 188,427 since March 4.
There have been 11 new deaths that have now been confirmed to be COVID-19-related. Six of these deaths occurred in the past five days. This brings the statewide total to 14,097 confirmed deaths, with another 1,829 probable deaths.
Seven deaths were reported across the state yesterday, but they have not yet been lab-confirmed to be COVID-19-related.
“These are not abstract stories,” Murphy said. “These are real people, and real lives lost. Let’s heed their call and their warning — that no one is invincible.”
Other health numbers:
- In hospital: 471 (262 confirmed cases, 219 under investigation);
- In ICU: 92;
- On ventilators: 32;
- Rate of transmission: 06;
- Positivity rate: 78% (from Aug. 15).
Small Landlord program taking applications
Owners of residential properties with between 3 and 10 rental units may now apply to the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency’s Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program.
The window to apply is now open and will be closed at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26. Those looking for more information are encouraged to visit njhousing.gov.
Murphy explains latest travel restrictions
Alaska and Delaware were added to the list of states from which travelers to New Jersey are being asked to observe a 14-day self-quarantine earlier this week. With these additions, the list grows to 33 states, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
“We continue to ask everyone to practice self-responsibility and good citizenship by complying with our travel advisories,” said Murphy. “This goes equally whether you are a visitor to our state, or a New Jersey resident returning from one of these states.
For the complete list of states, New Jersey residents can visit the state’s COVID-19 travel website.
Final word
Murphy on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment:
The fight for full equality in our nation is a never-ending one. But, from time to time, we must stop and acknowledge and celebrate the moments in which meaningful change occurred. Yesterday was one of those days. And, in this most important election year, it is a perfectly timed celebration.”
