MORRIS COUNTY — Residents of long-term care facilities will be able to have outdoor visits with loved ones in designated outdoor space under a directive to long-term care facilities issued by the state Department of Health.

The Health Department has received input and worked collaboratively with long-term care providers on developing this directive to accommodate visitors.

Prior to transporting a long-term care resident to a designated outdoor space, visitors must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms ­­– including a temperature check – and facilities must follow safety and infection prevention and control measures in order to allow visitation.

“Being apart from our loved ones has been one of the most difficult challenges throughout the pandemic—especially for long-term care residents and their families. This directive outlines the measures that must be in place to reduce risk to this vulnerable population while allowing visits outdoors,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Virtual communication could never replace gathering face to face gatherings with loved ones. We hope these outdoor visitations bring joy and comfort to residents as well as their loved ones—while also protecting them.”

The directive applies to dementia care homes, long-term care facilities, pediatric transitional care homes, assisted living residences and programs, and comprehensive personal care homes.

Only two visitors will be permitted at a time and must stay six feet apart from the resident. Visitors and residents are required to wear face coverings, and a staff member—wearing a surgical mask—must remain with the resident during the visit. A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 or quarantined for exposure cannot have visitors. A resident who has tested positive can have visitors after they have met the criteria to discontinue isolation.

Facilities must submit an attestation at least 24 hours before they begin outdoor visitation confirming that they have implemented the directive’s requirements, and have a location designated for visitation, sufficient staff and personal protective equipment, and a method to schedule appointments.

Facilities are required to communicate the visitor policy to residents, families, staff, and others, and must receive informed consent in writing from the resident and visitor that they will comply with the facility’s policies during the visit. As part of the consent form, visitors must agree to notify the facility if they test positive for COVID or have symptoms within 14 days of visiting.

MORRIS COUNTY  — Governor Phil Murphy announced increased indoor and outdoor gathering capacity limits as COVID-19 cases in New Jersey continue to decline.

Effective immediately, indoor gatherings are now limited to 25% capacity of the rooms in which they will take place, with a maximum of 100 persons.

Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 250 persons, and outdoor religious services and political activities will continue to have no numerical limits.

Indoor dining will return to New Jersey on July 2, Governor Phil Murphy.

Restaurants will be able to serve patrons indoors, provided they only use 25 percent of their usual indoor seating capacity.

“While we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commonsense public health measures that New Jerseyans have been complying with are now allowing for us to expand capacity limits,” said Governor Murphy. “We will continue to evaluate and make reopening decisions based on data, science, and facts. I thank the people of our great state for the collective effort that has enabled us to take steps like these.”

Before this Order, indoor gatherings were limited to 25% capacity, but with a maximum of 50 persons, and outdoor gatherings were limited to 100 persons, with the exception of outdoor religious services and political activities.

Furthermore, this Order clarifies that for the purposes of outdoor dining, “outdoor areas” are to be defined as open-air spaces without a fixed roof, besides a temporary or seasonal awning or cover.

To read Executive Order No. 156, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County will close its COVID-19 drive-thru testing center at County College of Morris at the end of next week, with the last scheduled day of free testing set for Friday, June 26, announced county officials.

When testing began, there was a 43 percent positive rate among residents with symptoms and prescriptions who were tested at the county center, said, officials. Those positive numbers have now dropped dramatically, with positive results for the past few weeks at less than 1 percent of those tested, they said.

“The skills and organizational powers of the partners in this effort made the creation of the testing site a successful response to help residents who were affected by the devastating virus. Its ultimate success hinged on all the partners communicating seamlessly, rapidly resolving any issues, and caring about the physical and emotional toll on clients who used the site,” said Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon.

The drop in positive numbers as well as the numerous urgent care facilities and pharmacies across the count that now offer nasal swab and saliva tests, allows the current CCM site to close. The site opened on March 30 to help deal with the large numbers of people needed to get COVID-19 tests. While open, the CCM site provided nasal swab tests to more than 7,000 people.

“We are indebted to all of the agencies and volunteers that came together to operate this testing center during the height of the COVID- 19 crisis in our county”, said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) on Friday, June 12, held a virtual commencement ceremony on YouTube to recognize the graduates from the Class of 2020.

The Class of 2020 includes more than 1,200 students, many who are transferring to top four-year institutions in New Jersey and across the nation to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The graduates will be receiving their diplomas by mail in one of four degrees: Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science. Also included among the graduates are those who have earned certificates. The graduates consist of those who completed their studies at CCM between August 2019 and May 2020.

Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., an impact investor and practical theologian with more than 30+ years of experience in corporate and community development, served as the keynote speaker.

“Who could image the uncertainly the Class of 2020 would face,” he noted. “Today I want not only to challenge you to embrace uncertainty, but I also want to challenge you to show up in the world when it matters most. I challenge you to embrace uncertainty and to dream about the many ways you make a real difference . . . consider volunteering at your local food pantry, help the elderly in your community, organize a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Whatever you decide to do, keep smiling. And here is the good news, the best is yet to come.”

Also providing remarks was Deborah Smith, director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “Regardless of the current situation, this is a special day for you,” she said. “It is the start of your life as leaders in our society; you are the next generation who will get us through crises like Superstorm Sandy and COVID-19. Thanks to your education here at CCM, the world is open to you. You already have taken a major step towards your future by working hard to achieve the degree you will receive.”

During his remarks, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono highlighted several students who completed their studies despite life’s challenges and obstacles. Highlighted were:
Walmer Granda-Acaro, of Morristown, a business major, who emigrated to the U.S. when he was 14. At CCM, he became president of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society and spent his years at the college helping and inspiring others. Granda-Acaro will continue his studies at Georgetown University.

Emma Mendoza, of Boonton, who majored in international studies, was named to the 2020 PTK New Jersey All-State Academic Team for her academic excellence, leadership, and community service. At CCM, she served as president of the Student Government Association, as a member of both the PTK and Alpha Mu Gamma honor societies, on the leadership team for the Student Activities Programming Board and as a student representative to CCM’s College Council. Mendoza will continue her studies at Rutgers University and will serve on the CCM’s Board of Trustees as the alumni trustee for the 2020-21 academic year.

Corey Anding, of Newark, an international studies major and a United State military veteran. Corey also was named to the 2020 PTK New Jersey All-State Academic Team for his academic excellence, leadership, and community service. At CCM, he served as president pro tempore of the Student Government Association, as a member of both the PTK and Alpha Mu Gamma honor societies and as a student representative on CCM’s College Council and Student Affairs Committee. Anding will continue his studies at American University in Washington, D.C.

“I want to encourage you to continue reaching for your dreams,” Iacono told the Class of 2020. “Be fearless in the pursuit of your goals and uncompromising of your values. Never stop learning and remember that success is not simply about doing things right but, more importantly, success requires the courage to do the right things. Our world needs more authentic leaders – leaders who are bold, compassionate, fair, and visionary. Leaders who unite, respect all lives, and help us advance humanity in a way that leaves no one behind.”
CCM Trustee Vice Chair Jeffrey Advokat, remarked, “I want to sincerely congratulate all of the graduates and let you know how proud all of the Trustees are here at CCM of your achievement. Although our society has hit a terrible low, we are already beginning our comeback, and the high quality that our renewed strength will bring will be led by your generation.”

Standing with college tradition, the winner of the CCM Peace Prize was announced during the commencement ceremony.

Antonina Mammana, of Randolph, who graduates summa cum laude with her Associate of Science degree in mathematics with an education concentration, was named the winner of the 2020 Peace Prize for her “What is Peace” video. Mammana’s project envisions peace as a concept that must begin every day. The video features her hand sketching a flower, while her narration urges viewers to consider peace as the product of small, individual, personal choices. The video can be viewed by clicking here.

The creator of the winning entry receives a $1,000 award provided by the CCM Foundation. This is the 19th year the college has awarded its Peace Prize, which was administered this year by Professor Laura Driver from the Department of English and Philosophy.

Included among the colleges and universities members from the Class of 2020 will be attending next are Cornell University, Drew University, John J. College of Criminal Justice, Montclair University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers University at CCM, The University of Virginia and other top schools across New Jersey and the nation.

The Class of 2020 saw many significant accomplishments at the college during their educational journey. Professor Eber, chair of the English and Philosophy department and English professor received the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award from the American Association of Community Colleges in recognition of her commitment to the success of students. The 2019-20 Academic Year marked her 50th year on the CCM faculty. The college’s Center for Workforce Development for the second year in a row received a Best Practice Award from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey. The CCM Educational Opportunity Fund also was presented with a Silver Excellence Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education for its service to ensure the success of first-generation students.

Photos:

Titus the Titan, the County College of Morris mascot, gives the thumbs up to one of the members of the Class of 2020 during the college’s cap and gown pick-up event.

Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., an impact investor and practical theologian with more than 30+ years of experience in corporate and community development, in the Media Center at County College of Morris where he was recorded giving his keynote speech to the Class of 2020.

Emma Mendoza, from the Class of 2020 at County College of Morris, serves as the graduation speaker for CCM’s virtual commencement ceremony recognizing its graduates.

MORRIS COUNTY — Noting a thick stack of requests from desperate constituents who still cannot access unemployment benefits, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn demanded that Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo redouble his efforts to fix a broken system.

“Real people in my district and across New Jersey are hurting from the commissioner’s continuing failures,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “To him, I say simply; do your job and end the unemployment backlog.”

Dunn revealed a letter she sent to Asaro-Angelo in early June that detailed the problems her constituents were experiencing with the unemployment insurance system since Gov. Murphy’s shutdown of the state’s business community in March. (Click here to read letter)

Despite the serious issues raised in the letter, no one from the department bothered to send a response to the Assemblywoman or her constituents.  Instead, he turned to the administration’s image squad just less than a week later to promote to the media that nearly all of the claims are paid.

However, Dunn’s own office records show that nearly half of the constituents who have contacted her have still not been able to receive their earned benefits.

“I would challenge the press to come to my office and see what real people are going through, not just blindly accept the claims of the commissioner and his press guardians,” said Dunn.

“I think that the commissioner – and by extension, the governor – should spend a lot less time burnishing their public images and getting live shots on national television and focus on the jobs New Jerseyans need them to do.”