Latest Hopatcong-Sparta Coronavirus Updates

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Hopatcong, Sparta, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced.

In Hopatcong, the police are asking that residents think twice before calling for an ambulance. And a woman in Sparta has started a sewing movement to provide masks to medical facilities.

Sparta saw a ShopRite employee sent home for illness and some experts think the peak of coronavirus cases is coming sooner rather than later.

The Department of Health has also posted data and statistics including hospitalization age groups, county totals and illnesses by onset date.

SCHOOLS

All schools in New Jersey will remain closed through at least April 17 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.

HOSPITALS

Many have leapt in to help provide personal protection equipment to local hospitals. This comes amidst reports there might not be enough beds available for patients.

Here's what else you should know:

• President Donald Trump declared New Jersey a major disaster area on Thursday.
• Governor Phil Murphy also announced Tuesday that 69 more people died. You can watch it here: Gov. Phil Murphy reported a stunning increase in coronavirus deaths in NJ. Here are the latest updates.
• Statewide student assessments have been cancelled as schools remain closed due to the outbreak. Read more: NJ Cancels Statewide Student Assessments Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. He also announced that the state has 736 more positive tests and 18 more deaths, including four in Ocean County. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• Statewide student assessments also have been cancelled as schools remain closed due to the outbreak. Read more: NJ Cancels Statewide Student Assessments Due To Coronavirus
• On Tuesday night, Murphy announced that he's allowing five more types of businesses in New Jersey to operate during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy: More NJ Business Can Now Open In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy also announced the launch of a new online portal to connect New Jersey residents with jobs in critical industries responding to COVID-19. Read more: Companies ARE Hiring: NJ Launches Online Job Portal
• The Murphy administration froze nearly $1 billion in spending on Monday, March 23 for many programs you may need. The state tax deadline also may be extended. Read more: NJ Freezes Nearly $1B in Spending, Citing Coronavirus Crisis

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• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Rabner also announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report

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