Latest Summit Coronavirus Updates

SUMMIT, NJ — The coronavirus outbreak is having vast impacts in Summit and statewide.

The number of cases of the illness, also known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a statewide stay-at-home order.
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On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said there had been 351 more deaths from coronavirus in New Jersey in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 3,156. The first deaths in the U.S. were reported just six weeks ago. MORE.

Here are some recent local updates:

• As of Wednesday, there had been one death in Summit. The New Jersey State Department of Health informed the city of seven new positive cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 115.
• Police Chief Robert Weck, who will retire in June, announced that he has recovered from coronavirus. "I would like to thank the entire Summit community for its expressions of support and concern for me during my recovery," he said on Tuesday. "Hearing from so many of you certainly helped me get through this extremely difficult time, and I am happy to say that I am on my way to a full recovery. Once again, the Summit community demonstrates why it is an amazing place to live and work."
• As of this past weekend, the Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Center has surpassed 7,000 tests to Union County residents, emergency responders and medical personnel from more than 180 municipalities in New Jersey. The first responders and medical personnel have come from as far south as Cape May County and as far north as Sussex County. Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105. The drive-thru is currently serving Union County residents, but is also open to emergency personnel and medical workers from outside Union County. Testing is free.

Here are more updates:

SCHOOLS

Summit was one of the first towns to introduce a long school closing of one month. Schools have been closed since March 13. MORE.

Students can pick up distributed meals on weekdays. MORE.

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy extended the public health emergency and stay-at-home order through May 9, and said he said he is not sure graduation ceremonies will take place in June. MORE.

Murphy said Wednesday that he may have more announcements about the schools on Thursday.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Summit 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 directory here: MORE.

Here is another story about how to help Summit businesses and services. MORE

New Jersey residents are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand: MORE

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

PARKS

Because too many New Jersey residents have been heading to parks amid the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy announced last week that all state and county parks would close, including these parks in Summit and other Union County towns.

HELPING OUT

Here is an article on Summit FLAG to help first responders. MORE

Head to the city website for more information. 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.