MORRIS COUNTY — A recent French peer review study by renowned infectious disease specialist Dr. Didier Raoult which was published in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents showed promising results in the treatment of COVID-19 with Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).

Sen. Joe Pennacchio has received support from more than 60 top doctors from around the nation for using an anti-malarial medication to control the spread of the coronavirus. (SenateNJ.com)
The French study also showed a significant decrease in “viral shedding,” from patients treated with HCQ. The lower the shedding, the less likelihood that the virus can be communicated to other individuals.
As the medical profession evaluates different treatment options, public health officials should adopt early treatment measures with the existing tools at our disposal. HCQ is an inexpensive, safe drug that has been used in the treatment of malaria for seventy years.

With no vaccine or antiviral in place, HCQ is the lead candidate for early treatment against the COVID-19 virus. This was the conclusion of a recent medical paper written by Dr. Raymond Chang whose affiliations include the Institute of East-West Medicine in New York and the National Taiwan University Hospital in Taiwan.

HCQ has the ability to prevent the virus from entering the cell, as well as to prevent the virus from replicating. HCQ has the unique factor of being able to accumulate high concentrations in the lungs (specifically where it is needed). What is also appealing is the long duration (22 day half-life) of HCQ in the body. These factors make it promising for early treatment if ingested days before the virus is introduced.

Worldwide reaction to the virus has been one of containment through isolation and social distancing. The objective of early treatment is to decrease the time of isolation and social distancing. The longer the isolation the more devastating the effects on our lives. A nationwide program of early treatment with HCQ, along with concurrent isolation may reap exponential benefits. The existing record of HCQ, its promise of efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 and low costs make the risk to benefit ratio well worth the effort.

Federal and State governments should immediately direct public policy towards increasing production, storage and establishing a distribution protocol and regimen for HCQ to ameliorate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This was the conclusion reached by U.S. academic studies in response to French infectious disease specialist Dr. Raoult’s peer review study, saying HCQ has a strong potential as a prophylactic measure against the severity of COVID-19.
We the undersigned agree with New Jersey State Senator Joe Pennacchio that all levels of government should work together to ameliorate the COVID-19 pandemic by developing an early treatment to minimize the effects of the virus and reduce its communicability by decreasing viral shedding with the use of Hydroxychloroquine:

Anika Ackerman MD
Urology
Joseph Addeo MD
Oncology
Munir Ahmed MD
Orthopedics
Niran Al-Agba DO
Pediatrics
Frank Alario MD
Internal Medicine
Sharon Carswell MD
Family Medicine
Kimberly Corba MD
Family Medicine
Doug Crane MD
Internal Medicine
Madeline Danny DO
Family Medicine
Philip DeFina PhD
Neuroscientist Clinical Research
US ARMY Intel
Anthony Dippolito MD
MBA General & Colorectal Surgeon
John Eck MD
Family Medicine
Josephine Feingold MD
Emergency Medicine
Ken Fisher MD
Family Medicine
Chris Garofalo MD
Family Medicine
David Gee MD
Family Medicine
Helen Gelhot MD
General Surgery
Eric Gerwirtz MD
Anesthesiology
Yvette Gozzo MD
Pulmonology
Karladine Graves DO
Family Medicine
Wayne Graves DO
Emergency Medicine
Lee Gross MD
Family Medicine
Avinash Gupta MD
Cardiology
James Halper MD
Neuropsychiatry & Internal Medicine
Scott Hardiman MD
Otolaryngology
Kris Held MD
Ophthalmology
Travis Hendricks MD
Infectious Disease
Bindukumar Kansupada MD
Cardiology
Cameron Knackstedt DO
Family Medicine
Herbert Kunkle, Jr MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Steve Kupferburg MD
Otolaryngology
Lee Kurisko MD
Radiology
Guru Lamba MD
Hematology Oncology
Katarina Lindley DO
Family Medicine
Jennifer Lorine DO
Family Medicine/Neuromuscular Med OMT
Lee Merritt MD
General Surgery, US Navy
Winslow Murdoch MD
Family Medicine
Katherine Newland MD
Emergency Medicine
Lisa Norberg DO
Family Medicine
Fred Notarnicola MD
Internal Medicine
Sheila Page DO
Neuromuscular & Skeletal, AAPS President Texas
Kirit Kumar Pandya MD
Urology
Prashant Parikh MD
Primary Care
Philip Pattison MD
Gastroenterology
Danae Powers MD
Anesthesiology
Lee Pressler MD
Urology
Samuel Putnam MD
Interventional Radiology, US Army Flight Surgeon
Raj Raval MD
Physiatrist, Interventional Pain
Luis Rodriguez Jr MD
Interventional Radiology
Scott Roethle MD
Anesthesiology
Sohayla Rostami DO
General Surgery Resident
James Rowsey MD
Ophthalmology
Christine Saba PharmD MD
Pediatrics
Vinod Sanchetti MD
Internal Medicine
Nikki Silverstein MD
Ophthalmology
Marilyn Singleton MD JD
Anesthesiology
Pat Smith MD
Gynecology
Reed Smith MD
Internal Medicine
Douglas Spiel MD
Interventional Pain Radiology
Joel Strom DDS
Dentist
James Thomas MD MBA
Interventional Radiology, Naval Flight Surgeon
Teresa Thomas MD
Internal Medicine
Josh Umber MD
Family Medicine
Kip VanCamp DO
Interventional Radiology
Craig Wax DO
Family Medicine
Vicki Wooll MD MPH
Family Medicine, Epidemiology
Marlene Wust-Smith MD
Pediatrics

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has issued an emergency declaration in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak that places restrictions on recreational business and recreational activities in Morris County.

The emergency declaration was signed by Morris County Emergency Management Coordinator Scott DiGiralomo.

“This is a very serious and difficult situation that requires county government to act strongly and decisively to help control the spread of the coronavirus,’’ said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “We ask all county residents to join with us and pull together in a united fashion to deal with this life-and-death issue, to help limit the community spread of this virus, which has disrupted our entire society.’’

The county is making this emergency declaration in consultation with local health officials who find that the evidence of community spread of COVID-19 continues to pose an increased risk to the safety of the people of Morris County.

Per the emergency declaration, the following types of businesses are ordered closed, within the geographic borders of Morris County, effective 8:00 p.m. today, March 19:

• Any Indoor Public or Private Recreational Bathing Facilities regulated by local health departments;
• Indoor Recreational Facilities, including but not limited to those providing amusement activities, trampoline parks, miniature golf, batting cages, racquetball/tennis centers, and ice rinks;

The following restrictions also go into effect immediately:

• All playgrounds and all playing fields within Morris County shall be closed immediately;
• Parks may remain open for only passive recreation, with the following restrictions to be enforced; no organized or directed activities are allowed; all park activities that bring together groups of more than four individuals (other than family members) are prohibited, including playgrounds, dog runs, amusement rides, and stables (except for the care of horses at stables).

Local authorities will have the ability to enforce these new rules.

Also, in the interest of public health and safety, the emergency declaration also calls for the future establishment of a county drive-through virus sampling site to help deter community spread of the virus.  More information will be forthcoming on this project.

The terms of this Morris County emergency declaration will remain in effect until further order. It may be modified, altered, and/or amended as the situation develops.

The county emergency declaration supplements items addressed in Gov. Phil Murphy’s state executive order. That order limits social gatherings to 50 people or less, and closed all gaming facilities, race tracks, and other entertainment centers, and directed all non-essential retail, recreation, and entertainment business to close.

To read the text of the county emergency order click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — We are all adjusting to the new reality of COVID, and with most public places now closed, families are at home (or should be) around the clock.

Lots of parents are working from home and helping their kids adjust to distance learning. Other parents are out of work and have the added worry of lost wages. And of course, some parents are on the front lines, working to protect the community, care for the sick, and make sure food and other critical supplies are available.

No question, the uncertainties that come with the global pandemic are a lot to deal with. We all need to tap our resiliency, and develop plans not only to keep our families safe, but to promote calmness.

NewBridge Chief Operating Officer Michelle Borden, a licensed clinical social worker, and disaster response crisis counselor, offers this advice:

• When you start to have anxious thoughts, take a few long, deep belly breaths, letting your shoulders relax as you exhale. Even just a few minutes of this is calming. Encourage your children to do the same.
• Reassure your children that you are looking out for their health, and taking precautions to keep the family healthy. Talk to them about the brave medical and emergency response workers, and how leaders are taking steps to protect people.
• Answer their questions about the virus, providing age-appropriate explanations. The CDC provides guidance
• Set a daily routine for each child and the family as a whole. In addition to schoolwork requirements and chores, incorporate creative time, exercise, healthy meals and relaxation into the plan. Reward yourselves with a game nights and movie nights. (Take turns choosing!)
• School-age children will require varying amounts of help with distance learning, so encourage independence but monitor their progress.
• Get outside when possible. Take a walk around the block or go for a hike in the woods (but stay at least six feet away from other people), or play together in your yard, if that’s an option.
• Check social media pages for parents and your library’s website for links to lots of cool virtual experiences, like virtual tours of museums and zoos.

The whole family should keep a regular sleep schedule.

Children look to their parents for how to respond to situations. If parents remain calm and the family sticks to a healthy routine, this time will be much easier to get through. If you are in crisis, call NewBridge at (973) 316-9333. Look for more tips in the coming days. Together, we will get through this!

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, and Jefferson Township Police Department Chief Sean Conrad announce that Richard Perry, 49, Oak Ridge, was sentenced on March 20 by the Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C. to eight years in New Jersey State Prison on two second degree Sexual Assault charges and four years New Jersey State Prison on a third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child charge.

Perry was the owner of Master Perry’s World Class Martial Arts, Union Avenue, Belleville. Its website listed the business as “permanently closed.”

Perry will also be required to register pursuant to Megan’s Law and was sentenced to Parole Supervision for Life.  In addition to eight years New Jersey State Prison, Perry is subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA) and must serve at least 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Perry was ordered to pay mandatory fines and penalties, and is to have no contact with the victim or victim’s family.

Perry was previously found guilty by a jury of two counts of second degree Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, and one count of third degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1).

The crimes occurred on October 2, 2016, when Mr. Perry had touched the niece of his fiancé on the breasts and vagina during a sleepover at his home. The then 11-year-old victim disclosed to her aunt immediately that Mr. Perry touched her and the aunt, in turn, contacted the police.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their involvement in this investigation and prosecution.  Prosecutor Knapp would specifically like to thank and recognize the prosecution team of Assistant Prosecutor Reema Sethi Kareer, Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Sparano, Detective Michael Bost, Detective Melissa Enslen, and Victim Advocate Amanda Holloway of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts in this case.

NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub, a new, visitor-friendly website available by clicking here. The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub provides New Jerseyans with the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the State’s response, including information about services such as food assistance and small business assistance.

“We want to make it easier for New Jersey residents to access the critical resources they need as the State responds to COVID-19,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This innovative new site, equipped with expert knowledge and vital information, is an essential resource for New Jerseyans during this time.”

The New Jersey Office of Innovation, the New Jersey Department of Health, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and other state agencies have partnered with Yext, which has volunteered its time and resources to help build the website, and the Federation of American Scientists’ “Ask a Scientist” project, which sources hundreds of scientific experts to address general questions about COVID-19.

This user-friendly website allows the public to find information by topic, such as COVID-19 illness, employment benefits, education resources, and much more,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This website reflects the whole-of government response that Governor Murphy is leading.”

“The site is fully searchable, and allows the public to submit their questions about COVID-19 and get a reliable response,” said Beth Simone Noveck, the State of New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer. “At a time when access to accurate and fast-changing information is of utmost importance, we’re pleased to provide this service to the people of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub includes a COVID-19 Symptom Checker, so New Jerseyans can receive tailored advice depending on their symptoms, including information about testing. It will also increase the State’s ability to analyze the spread of COVID-19.

The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub is accessible via mobile phone and for those with disabilities. All the content is easily searchable via Google and other search engines so the information can be found widely and consistently.

Visit the New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Walmart has a steady workforce of full-time and part-time workers helping meet the everyday needs of its customers.

As part of responding to the current environment, Walmart is also hiring 150,000 new associates through the end of May to work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.

These roles will be temporary at first, but many will convert to permanent roles over time. We’ve reached out to industry groups representing restaurants and hospitality to facilitate temporary roles that can be a bridge for their employees during this difficult time.

Walmart is also implementing a new process to dramatically expedite hiring for key roles, such as cashiers and stockers. What is usually a two-week application cycle will be reduced to a 24-hour process. Anyone interested in applying should do so by clicking here. This initiative is aimed at helping put Americans to work, while helping Walmart better serve customers during this time of increased demand.

“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores,” said McMillon. “We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”

Today’s steps are in addition to last week’s announcement of a new COVID-19 emergency leave policy that provides support to associates if they are impacted by the coronavirus in the following ways: (1) if they are uncomfortable coming to work right now and choose to stay home (2) if they are part of mandated quarantines or (3) if they have a confirmed case of the virus.