MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp would like to remind the public that as a law enforcement agency, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office remains open during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

In accordance with federal, state and county guidance, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has implemented procedures and protocols to mitigate the potential spread of the virus to personnel and to members of the public.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office remains in constant communication with the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Judiciary, Office of the Attorney General, the Morris County Sheriff and all local Chiefs of Police as well as other county officials as the situation and response develops.

Prosecutor Knapp said “I would like to thank our law enforcement members, partner law enforcement agencies and first responders, who are on the front lines during this emergency. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will continue in its role to protect and serve the community.”

To avoid any unnecessary trips to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, we are asking the public to please call the office first at (973) 285-6200 to see if your matter can be addressed by phone.  For questions regarding Superior Court cases in the County of Morris, please contact (862) 397-5700.

MORRIS COUNTY — People around the world are facing an unprecedented challenge due to the emergence of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly infectious pathogen that can result in serious complications or even death to some people.

You can be assured that the State of New Jersey, the federal government, and our neighbors in the Tri-State Region are working together to keep all of our families safe.

We know this is an extremely difficult time, so we’re providing this update to let you know what we know and to share important information and links to helpful resources.

As always, our district office is available by phone and email to answer your questions and to help address any needs.

** Guidance from the State of New Jersey **

Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency to address the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. That declaration tasks certain officials in State government with managing the response, allows for faster action by State departments and agencies, and triggers consumer safeguards, including prohibiting price gouging by retailers.

Yesterday, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 104, which calls for aggressive social distancing measures to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus in the state.

Governor Murphy’s Executive Order:

• All gatherings of persons in the State of New Jersey shall be limited to 50 persons or fewer, with limited exceptions;
• All public, private, and parochial preschool programs, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, will be closed beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and remain closed as long as the Order remains in effect;
• Institutions of higher education will cease all in-person instruction beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and shall cease such in-person instruction as long as the Order remains in effect;
• The Commissioner of Education shall continue working with each public, private, and parochial school to ensure students are able to continue their education through appropriate home instruction
• The Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Education shall take all necessary actions to ensure all students eligible for free or reduced meals will continue to receive the services necessary to meet nutritional needs during closures;
• All casinos, concert venues, nightclubs, racetracks, gyms, fitness centers and classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;
• All other non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.; and
• All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license, are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services only.

Information from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)

The NJDOH maintains a COVID-19 homepage to address the impact of the disease on New Jersey.

Additionally, the NJDOH maintains a New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard that shows the current number and geographical distribution of cases in the state.

Information from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

The NJMVC has extended the expiration dates of driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and inspections stickers by two months.

Additionally, all NJMVC agencies and road testing facilities are closed for two weeks. Online services remain available at NJMVC.gov.

Resources for Workers/Employers Impacted by COVID-19

Many workers and employers will be impacted as a result of this unprecedented crisis and have questions about benefits that may be available due to sickness, quarantine, or disruptions to business operations or employment status.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has a dedicated COVID-19 page for workers and employers to answer questions and offer guidance.

They have also produced the following chart of COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available to show what benefits are available in a variety of situations:

** CDC Advice If You Are Sick or Showing Symptoms **

Detailed information on each of the follow items is available on this page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Stay home except to get medical care:

Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.

Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Additional steps you should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick:

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces daily.
• Monitor your symptoms.

MORRIS COUNTY — As a preventative health measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and as a way to speed service delivery, New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo announced that in-person Unemployment Insurance services are temporarily suspended at all New Jersey One-Stop Career Center offices effective immediately. Anticipated re-opening is in two weeks, on Monday, March 30.

Customers needing to file for unemployment insurance are urged to apply online by clicking here. They are experiencing extraordinarily high call volume and longer than usual wait times. Filing online is easy, and will ensure your claim is processed in the fastest way possible.

If you are unable to access the internet, please call:

North Jersey:  (201) 601-4100.
Central Jersey: (732) 761-2020.
Southern Jersey: (856) 507-2340.

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the Covid-19 virus, which requires a public health need for social distancing, including limiting public access to government buildings, the Morris County Board of Freeholders has approved a temporary policy to address the operation of county government.

The intent of the Freeholders is to allow government to continue to provide essential services for residents while protecting the health of staff, and also limiting the spread of the virus here in Morris County.

This temporary policy addresses Non-Essential Services and Essential Services. Please visit the county’s coronavirus information page for specific updates by clicking here.

“We recognize the importance of continuing many of our county services, especially public safety and health services, and social services for our most vulnerable residents who are dependent on the support we provide,’’ said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “But we must balance those needs with the current public health situation, especially when it comes to our employees and the potential spread of the virus.’’

Under the temporary policy, All Non-Essential County Government Services will temporarily cease operating at the close of business today, Tuesday, March 17.

The Morris County Library and Heritage Commission ceased operations on Monday. The County Planning & Preservation Office, including Farmland Preservation, Flood Mitigation, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Trails Construction, Cultural Resources, and Long Range Planning will limit operations and be closed to the public.

Most county government buildings are expected to remain at least partially open but with limited staff. All county government events have been cancelled and most meetings that must occur will be done vie remote platforms.

Constitutional Offices and independent agencies will each determine their own policies. That includes the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Facility, County Clerk, County Surrogate, Board of Elections, Tax Board, County Superintendent of Schools, and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service. Please visit their respective websites or call their offices for any changes in their normal policies.

The Morris County Park Commission has cancelled all indoor and outdoor programs and has rescinded all park use permits through March 31. It also has closed the Mennen Sports Arena. Parks and trails remain open for passive recreation, and golf courses also remain open. Visit the Park Commission’s website for more specific information.

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority plans to continue recycling services for the 14 municipalities that employ its services. Please check the MUA website for any updates.

All county government employees working within the Non-Essential Services categories will be compensated during this temporary period. The expectation is that these employees of Non-Essential Services will remain in their homes, helping to limit the spread of the virus, during this period.

Where possible, employees providing Essential Services will be allowed to work remotely, work alternative work hours or in rotating shifts to allow for social distancing.