County of Sussex Introduces New COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Notification System – You will no longer need to check the Appointment Plus calendar for openings. You will need to pre-register with Sussex County at https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?TPID=17520.
The e-mail address provided by you will be used by the County when announcing openings.
As a block of openings become available, an e-mail blast will go out to everyone who has signed up. You must respond to the e-mail to schedule a time and date for your vaccination. Appointments will be scheduled in order of the receipt of responses to the e-mail blast. If you do not successfully schedule your appointment when openings occur, your e-mail address will remain in the notification system for the next round of openings. Your e-mail address will continue to remain in the system until such time that you are able to schedule a vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update – State Phone Support Available: The State of New Jersey Department of Health has set up an interactive voice response platform in both English and Spanish that provides key information to New Jersey residents on how to register for a vaccine as well as how to schedule vaccination appointments as people become eligible. Call 855-568-0545 for phone support from 8 am to 8 pm. Due to high call volumes, callers are experiencing long wait times.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update: The State of New Jersey has made vaccines available to the following groups: Healthcare workers, long-term care residents & staff, individuals at high risk (including individuals aged 65 and older, and individuals ages 16-64 with medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus. Eligibility is subject to change State guidelines. Check here for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update from Sussex County: What to expect during the vaccine registration process – https://www.sussex.nj.us/Documents/20210128-Sussex-County-Vaccination-Process.pdf
Sussex County Vaccination Sites: Currently, there are 4 vaccination sites in Sussex County:
- ShopRite of Newton: call for appointment or visit https://vaccines.shoprite.com/
- ShopRite of Byram: call for for appointment or visit https://vaccines.shoprite.com/
- Newton Medical Center (Atlantic Health): https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-vaccine/schedule-vaccine-appointment.html
- Sussex County Vaccination site: to make an appointment go to https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/b0kmrcz4/
Vaccine Assistance for Seniors
Seniors who are unable to access the internet may call the Sussex County Division of Senior Services at 973-579-0555 for help registering for a vaccination appointment.
Seniors in need of transportation to vaccination sites located throughout Sussex County can contact Skylands Ride at 973-579-0480 for assistance. When possible, please contact Skylands Ride prior to registering for your COVID-19 vaccination so that transportation can be coordinated with your scheduled vaccination date.
Seniors who have questions related to COVID19 may call the Sussex County COVID Hotline Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm at 973-579-9488.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
For important information regarding the vaccine including New Jersey’s phasing schedule please visit the Sussex County webpage at https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?tpid=17480
To pre-register for the vaccine visit – https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/
At Home COVID-19 Testing Available in Sussex County – Sussex County is proud to announce the LabCorp Pixel at home COVID-19 test option for patients who would like to have testing completed in the comfort of their own home. The at-home service is called Pixel and you may review details about the program by clicking on the link available at www.sussex.nj.us. Pixel is available to anyone over the age of 18, and LabCorp has established an easy and free process for ordering, collecting, and shipping.
New Jersey, New York and Connecticut announce mandatory 14 day quarantine for travelers coming from several states with significant community spread of COVID-19 – As of June 25, 2020 all individuals traveling from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. This quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. The current states subjected to the travel restrictions are – Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. For more information concerning the travel advisory click here: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/general-public/can-i-travel-to-new-jersey-if-im-a-resident-can-i-travel-out-of-state-are-airports-bridges-and-tunnels-open#direct-link
Municipal Operations in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak –The Township Municipal Building remains closed for public access; however visitors may come to the building and access the reception window and drop boxes. A CDC recommended face covering must be worn when entering the vestibule and social distancing guidelines must be maintained when waiting for service. Please click on the following link – Hardyston Municipal Operations & Closure for additional information and preventive measures.
Municipal Court Operations – During the COVID-19 pandemic, municipal courts have cancelled their in person court sessions. With the use of technology, certain cases may be able to be heard and adjudicated remotely. It is advised that you contact the court to set up a video court proceeding and provide your telephone and email address.
Sussex County COVID-19 Hotline Now OPEN – Call (973) 579-9488 to speak with a Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) staff member or Sussex County Medical Reserve Corp volunteer. The Hotline’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Disaster Response Crisis Counselors available for Sussex County residents who may be experiencing emotional or mental difficulties related to COVID-19. A Disaster Response Crisis Counselor can be reached by contacting the Division of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 973-579-9488 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Further details can be found here.
Volunteering to Help during the COVID-19 Emergency – Many people wonder how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency even if they are not a health care or medical professional. There are many ways you can help. Find out more by visiting – https://covid19.nj.gov/help and scrolling down to “How you can Help” and locate the button on the left side to “Volunteer in your Community”.
COVID-19 Testing – As of June 19th, the Sussex County Testing Site has closed. The Morris County Testing Site will close effective, Friday June 26th. For information on where you can obtain a COVID-19 test please use the County’s interactive map of test sites available here: http://sussex.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bdd9a8e506624e94981eb8055f69a4a8). The state’s map of test sites is accessible at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing#test-sites.
For information concerning number of cases by municipality within Sussex County visit: www.sussex.nj.us/covid19
Sussex County and the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce Announce Interactive Business Map – Sussex County residents and business owners now have the ability to access a business status interactive mapping system, which will be available on the County of Sussex’s website, as well as linked on the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and Sussex County Economic Development Partnership websites. A tool developed by the County, in partnership with the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership, the online map is available for every business within the county to list its information and reopening status. The interactive map also offers residents the opportunity to support local businesses. The map can be found here.
Franklin Borough Certificate of Occupancy Compliance Inspections – Inspections in order to receive a Certificate of Occupancy Compliance for resales and rentals in Franklin Borough are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. In lieu of an inspection the Construction Official will accept a certification from the buyer and seller. The modified application form and instructions can be found here.
Certificate of Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm & Portable Fire Extinguisher (CSACMA & PFEC) – Inspections in order to receive a CSACMA & PFEC Certificate for resales and rentals are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. In lieu of an inspection the Fire Official will accept a certification from the buyer and seller. The modified application form and instructions can be found here. Please note signatures from real estate agents will not be accepted. The affadavit must be signed by the buyer and seller or their respective attorney.
Governor Murphy Unveils Multi-Stage Approach to Execute a Responsible & Strategic Restart to New Jersey’s Economy – Governor Murphy’s plan includes a 4 stage plan to reopen businesses and activities throughout the state. The State is currently in Phase 1 and while the goal is to move through each phase quickly and judiciously with the public health of the community and all New Jerseyans in mind, it is important for everyone to continue to keep themselves and others safe by wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting gatherings. For a summary of Governor Murphy’s multi-stage approach click here.
Additional Resources – Please click here for a list of important resources and updates regarding mental health, NORWESCAP food distribution, State Income tax filing, unemployment, job resources, and residential mortgage relief.
The following websites and phone numbers will provide useful information
1. To get information on COVID-19
Call: 2-1-1
Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
Text: your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance
2. Visit https://covid19.nj.gov/
3. Sussex County Information – www.sussex.nj.us/covid19
4. Atlantic Health Nurse Screening Hotline number: 1-862-260-3199. It is
available seven days a week from 7:00 am to 7:00pm. A highly trained
Atlantic Health medical professional will answer the call, consult with
the patient, and provide direction to obtain needed resources. (This
hotline cannot provide referrals for COVID-19 testing)
5. For an update of cases by county, the New Jersey Dept. of Health
(NJDOH) has set up ad ashboard with information:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml
6. www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Business Resources
During the COVID-19 emergency there are number of available resources to help including the following:
State Programs – The NJ Economic Development Authority has introduced package of initiatives that include a grant program for small businesses, a zero-interest loan program for mid-size companies, support for private-sector lenders and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), funding for entrepreneurs, and a variety of resources providing technical support and marketplace information.
To see what program you might qualify for the program use the eligibility wizard at: https://assistance.business.nj.gov/.
Federal Programs – The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act – is a package of programs and initiatives designed to assist business. Programs include the Payroll Protection Program, Small Business Debt Relief Program, and counseling and contracting services. Click on the CARES Act Guidelines for more information.
New Jersey COVID-19 Jobs & Hiring Portal –https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/
As the resources and information constantly evolves visit http://www.sussexcountychamber.org/about/covid-19_novel_coronavirus_information/index.php for updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Shopping
Should I wear gloves while grocery shopping?
Latex gloves are not recommended to wear when grocery shopping. Handwashing is recommended. Wash your hands before leaving your home, after leaving the store, and again when you get home. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Do you have any other safe grocery shopping tips?
- Avoid Crowds
- Make a list and shop quickly
- Shop alone, don’t bring the family
- Wear a face covering
- Sanitize carts and hands, before and after shopping
- Give the cashier some space or use the self-check out
- Choose no-touch payment when you can
- If you are anxious about grocery shopping, select the pick-up option at your grocery store instead of going inside and doing the shopping yourself
Exercising Outdoors
Do I need to wear a face covering while exercising outdoors?
The CDC recommends wearing a face covering in public settings where it is harder to stay away from people. If you are exercising in an area where you know you will be crossing paths with a lot of other people, you should wear a face covering. But you should also try to avoid those settings. It is recommended to find less crowded areas and avoid peak hours when others are out exercising.
Any tips about how to wear a face covering when exercising outdoors?
Wearing a face covering makes it harder to breathe when you are exercising. Don’t be afraid to slow down and take breaks. Don’t push yourself too hard. Select a face covering that is comfortable, stays in place, and covers your mouth and nose. Figure out what type of face covering works best for you when you are outdoors exercising.
Grief Support
Are there any coronavirus grief and loss support groups?
Yes, the Atlantic Health System is hosting a Coronavirus Grief and Loss support group. To register call 862-260-3199 (option 3) for an invitation. The support group is web-based and is led by Atlantic Health behavioral health clinicians and social workers
See suspicious online content?
Report it to your local authorities or to the NJ Homeland Security Counterterrorism Watch Desk at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or tips@njohsp.gov
FACE COVERING INFORMATION – The CDC and the Governor’s Executive Order are recommending/requiring that people wear a face covering when in a public setting including the grocery store and other retail establishments. The CDC has provided useful guidance on making homemade cloth face coverings.