Latest Millburn Coronavirus Updates

MILLBURN, NJ — The coronavirus outbreak is having vast impacts in Millburn and statewide.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said that the number of deaths in New Jersey due to the virus had topped 5,000, with 300 new deaths each day for the last several days, the highest since the outbreak started. READ MORE.

The governor had declared a statewide stay-at-home order last month.
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Here are some recent local updates:

• As of Wednesday, there had been four coronavirus related deaths in Millburn. Mayor Jackie Lieberberg said there are 115 residents who've tested positive for COVID 19 in Millburn Township. Essex County is reporting 11,305 cases throughout the county. READ MORE.
• Essex County's drive through testing center has swelled with visitors. READ MORE.

Here are other updates:

SCHOOLS

Millburn Schools have been closed since March 16. On April 16, Gov. Phil Murphy said all schools in the state will be closed through at least May 15. READ MORE.

On Wednesday, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Burton released a distance learning update. She wrote, "As the K-5 overview explains, we will be providing more face-to-face time with teachers on a daily basis. Teachers may check in with students at the beginning of the day to set the stage for the day’s learning or meet up at the end of the day to provide closure. They will also offer live lessons each day in core content areas such as Reading and Math. " Read more here and for the middle school, here.

A Millburn High School student made a striking video of New York City during the quarantine. Check it out here.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he is not sure graduation ceremonies will take place in June. MORE.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Millburn Patch has published a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for local businesses during the coronavirus shut downs. Dozens of submissions have come in. See the Millburn directory here.

Here's what you need to know about applying for unemployment and other benefits during coronavirus. MORE.

Read more about unemployment, small business, and other coronavirus regulations and benefits in New Jersey here.

PARKS

Because too many New Jersey residents have been heading to parks amid the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy announced the first week in April that all state and county parks would close.

However, Murphy left it up to individual mayors to close municipal parks. Town parks are still open in Millburn, but, as the mayor noted, "Keep up the great work and adherence to social distancing. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask outside while enjoying the parks, please do so. While wearing masks outside is not a requirement it is certainly a good practice in our parks as we continue to provide a safe and convenient passive recreational space."

GIVING AND GETTING HELP

To find out about help for seniors and the needy, contact your town via the website, or look below:

• The town's confidential food pantry is stocked for those in need. Reach out to Ana Millan, 973-535-7961 X 231 or amillan@millburntwp.org.
• For those seeking assistance with short term emergency needs due to a financial setbacks, you can find out more and apply via www.downtheblock.org.
• Stores in the area are offering special senior hours. Read more.
• The town's "Shop and Drop" program helps bring food to seniors. Find out more about that and other senior services by calling the number here.
• Saina and Amay Balsara are creating and distributing 30-40 care packages each day of healthy snacks and drinks to front line workers at local hospitals. Each day they are personalizing each one with encouraging words of gratitude & drawing artwork on the paper bags. The care packages are being delivered to East Orange General hospital, RWJ Barnabas Livingston, and Rahway Hospital. For more info about donating email: shik_agr@yahoo.com
• Here is an article on Millburn FLAG to help first responders. They crossed the $50,000 mark for donations this week. MORE.

Here are additional statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

Experts say that the novel coronavirus, because it's new, is more lethal and much harder to treat than the flu. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

Got a local news tip or idea, or just want to reach out? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com. To keep up with local breaking news and get a free morning newsletter with local stories, sign up here.