MORRIS COUNTY — As evidence continues to mount supporting the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) against the coronavirus, New Jersey remains behind the curve in its approach to treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Numerous doctors have joined Senator Joe Pennacchio in his call to unshackle them, and allow doctors to treat patients and prescribe HCQ as both a treatment and early preventative against this virus.

“Minimally, the State should have secured HCQ pills and developed a distribution protocol,” said Senator Pennacchio.

Adding to that request, the Senator challenged the State Department of Health to immediately perform a “retrospective study” of people who have routinely taken HCQ as a drug therapy for other diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Such a study comparing this population of patients to an equal number of patients who have not been treated with HCQ would prove to be an early treatment protection against COVID-19.

Others such as Dr. Philip DeFina, PhD, a research scientist and former associate professor at New York University School of Medicine, agree with Senator Pennacchio.

“A retrospective analysis of people who are already taking HCQ as part of an ongoing treatment plan for ailments such as autoimmune disorders would be extremely informative data to assess whether or not these same people appear to have a decreased likelihood of contracting COVID-19.  Additionally, some first responders, military personnel and front-line healthcare workers who are already taking lower, prophylactic doses of HCQ would be an excellent source population for a scientifically valid retrospective study. Furthermore, doctor’s nationwide have been prescribing HCQ for compassionate use in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. There has been some reporting that these outcomes are being tracked for potential studies, and they absolutely should be.”

“Relying on federal ‘guidance’ which seems to have their own issues about accepting HCQ is not enough. The State of New Jersey must immediately take a proactive approach,” concluded Senator Pennacchio.

PARSIPPANY — Scholl’s Wellness Company is donating $1.3 million in Dr. Scholl’s® insoles to support health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. The donation includes 100,000 pairs of Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work insoles, which are clinically proven to reduce muscle fatigue and also absorb shock. The first donation was delivered today to a medical center in New Jersey with many more to come in the next few days.

Scholl’s Wellness Company is located at 119 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 200.

“Supporting the healthcare industry has been part of Dr. Scholl’s DNA since our founding in 1904 by Dr. William Mathias Scholl,” said Craig Stevenson, Scholl’s Wellness Company CEO. “We wanted to do what we could for all the caregivers who are working tirelessly on the front lines, and it is our sincerest hope that this gesture shows our appreciation for those who are there for us when we need them the most.”

Dr. Scholl’s donation will go to hospitals across the country, especially those in coronavirus hot spots. Hospitals can submit requests to receive insoles for their medical workers by emailing  [email protected].  Please include the following information:

Hospital Name
Contact Name, Phone Number, Email Address
Shipping Address
Delivery Instructions
# of female and # of male insoles requested

ABOUT SCHOLL’S WELLNESS COMPANY
The Dr. Scholl’s brand has been synonymous with foot care for more than a century. Founded by William Mathias Scholl, M.D. with a drive to scientifically support the feet to improve mobility, Dr. Scholl’s products are clinically engineered and proven to provide comfort, reduce fatigue, relieve and prevent lower body pain. Today, Scholl’s Wellness Company continues to advance the science of movement and foot care with a mission to help people be more active and move comfortably every day of their lives. Click here for  more details.

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a second COVID-19 telephone town hall focused on small business and unemployment assistance on Tuesday, April 7. Representative Sherrill will be joined by public officials who will help answer questions from residents and she will give an update on what she has been doing to support COVID-19 response efforts in New Jersey.

“Every day, I am on the phone with our small businesses, local officials, and residents in North Jersey, and I know the incredible strain they face as we fight the COVID-19 crisis,” said Representative Sherrill. “Our town hall this week will focus on the resources available to small businesses and workers at the federal and state level. We had an overwhelming response to our last telephone town hall, and I hope residents join us again on Tuesday.”

Residents are invited to register for the telephone town hall by clicking here.

WHAT: Telephone Town Hall on Small Business and Unemployment Assistance

WHO: Representative Mikie Sherrill

WHEN: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 4:50 p.m. EST

WHERE: Residents can register for the Telephone Town Hall by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy has exempted blood drives from his Executive Order that prohibits public gatherings to allow for blood donations to meet the medical needs of New Jersey residents during the COVID-19 crisis.

Blood drives may to operate but only using appropriate mitigation efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That would include incorporating social distancing where practicable, collecting blood only from individuals who are healthy and feeling well, conducting temperature screens of both staff and donors before entering a blood drive

It also would require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), providing hand sanitizer to donors, and frequently sanitizing equipment and work spaces

The American Red Cross, meanwhile, has put out a call for blood donations to ensure an available blood supply for hospital patients. It is strongly urging eligible donors to schedule their next appointment to donate blood at a blood drive scheduled near where you live or work.

The Red Cross says donating blood is a safe process and asks healthy residents to donate soon.

Schedule your appointment now!

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement on her family testing positive for COVID-19:

“This week, my husband was tested and diagnosed with COVID-19. After developing symptoms myself, and speaking to my doctor, I have scheduled a test.

“My work on behalf of our district, the fight to protect and provide our doctors, nurses, and first responders with critical personal protective equipment, and my commitment to deliver relief for our workers and small businesses remains my top priority.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is that we all follow the recommendations of the CDC and the ‘stay at home’ order that is in place. The road ahead for New Jersey is going to be a hard one, so now more than ever, we must take care of each other and work together so that we can end this crisis.”