Important Resources During the COVID-19 Crisis
The North Essex Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the economic and civic well-being of the business community and their families. The following is information and resources to assist you through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak. The information below includes county, state and federal resources regarding:
Updates on the pandemic
Business loans
Unemployment
Employer services
Tax relief
Student loans
Medical resources
Mental health resources for children & their parents
Tips for working from home
Educational resources for learning from home
Childcare resources for essential workers
Directory of Open/Closed businesses
Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program – Phase 3
NJ ESSEX COUNTY
Essex County COVID-19 Testing Site: [By appointment only, limited hours] Residents can visit www.EssexCOVID.org, where they will be required to complete a short online screening process before an appointment is scheduled. Residents will be asked several health-related questions and detail any symptoms they have related to the coronavirus. Upon completion of the survey, they will be informed if they are eligible for the screening. If they are eligible, a confirmation number will be provided; residents must bring the confirmation number with them to their appointment. If someone does not have internet access, they can register by calling the Essex County Office of Emergency Management at 973-324-9950. The call-in center will be open form 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. An operator will help them complete the initial survey and issue the confirmation number. Residents must bring the confirmation number with them to their appointment.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
NJ Office of the Governor: New relief program announced for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: covid19.nj.gov/
NJ COVID-19 Hotline: If in-state, call 211 or 1-800-222-1222; out-of-state call 1-800-962-1253
The State of New Jersey has established a website to address concerns of businesses during this challenging time: CV.business.nj.gov. This site will be updated as new information becomes available.
New Jersey's COVID-19 Business Information Hub
Search for help with COVID-19's impact or rules on reopening. Use the live chat to submit questions.
NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Important information on sick Leave benefits for your employees and business compensation https://www.nj.gov/labor/employer-services/business/covid.shtml
NJDOL Benefits and the Coronavirus (COVID-19): What employees should Know https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/covid.shtml
NJ Economic Development Authority
Information for NJ Businesses on the COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Outbreak https://www.njeda.com/about/Public-Information/Coronavirus-Information
NJEDA Announces New Initiatives to Support Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The USSBA has approved New Jersey for SBA lending programs for the current crisis and will be opening up their website for new applications!
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Please refer to the SBA’s coronavirus website (https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19) for up-to-date information on SBA assistance.
MORE FEDERAL RESOURCES
CDC’s Official Website for COVID-19 Updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
About Unemployment: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
About Student Loans: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
Tax Relief: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
MEDICAL RESOURCES
RJW Barnabas Health information about COVID-19
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS
Global Teletherapy
Erika’s Lighthouse
Rise and Shine
Child Mind Institute
Meditations for Kids
Stop, Breathe & Think
TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME
https://www.npr.org/2020/03/15/815549926/8-tips-to-make-working-from-home-work-for-you
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-work-from-home-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-3
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-pandemic-tips-for-working-from-home/
Latest updates from the NJ Department of Health
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR LEARNING FROM HOME
Scholastic’s Free Learn at Home https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Crash Course https://thecrashcourse.com/
CHILDCARE RESOURCES
The State of New Jersey is currently covering the cost of childcare for essential workers, regardless of income. For more information, visit the state’s emergency childcare website. To register as an essential employee who needs childcare, visit the registration page and select your county. Applicants will be contacted by one of the state’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies within two business days to discuss the next steps. Additional documents may be requested from the State.
DIRECTORY OF LOCAL BUSINESSES OPEN/CLOSED IN OUR AREA
patch.com/new-jersey/montclair/montclair-business-guide-what-s-open-closed-during-coronavirus