Full Notification

As we continue with our ‘stay at home’ orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I’d like to take some time and offer up a variety of information and resources that everyone should know about. Please take a moment a read through.

One of the top priorities in my mind is to make sure that people have up to date and accurate information. Personally, I have already seen a rise in fraud and scams relating to the outbreak, including phishing emails, text messages, robocalls, and so on. I urge you all to be very careful. Do not let your guard down. The NJ Office of Homeland Security has launched a website to help residents figure out what is real or what is disinformation. Visit it here: https://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/covid19

If you are looking for work, there are literally thousands of temporary job openings in the state. Part of the NJ COVID-19 Information Hub is dedicated to this: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/

There have been many questions regarding your rights to certain types of benefits (unemployment or  disability for instance) if you become infected or have to care for someone who is. The NJ Dept. of Labor has a website devoted to answering these questions: https://tinyurl.com/vm79jeo

The Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) has a COVID webpage that seems to be constantly updated with good information: https://tinyurl.com/yx5nr8n7.

Also, the Sussex County Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline is now open. Residents may call the Hotline number at 973-579-9488 to speak with a SCDOH staff member or Sussex County Medical Reserve Corp volunteer. The hotline hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9a to 4p.

Sign up for COVID updates from the NJ Department of Health, by sending NJCOVID to 898-211.

If you are a business operator in NJ, there are a variety of resources available to you. This website, https://tinyurl.com/v4ulnvz, answers a bunch of frequently asked questions, ranging from compliance to grants. This electronic mail from the Sussex County Chamber of commerce outlines grants that are available: https://tinyurl.com/unhzxzk.

As you are probably aware, Governor Murphy has issued several executive orders. Orders related to COVID-19 start at 102. They are here: https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/

I have been hearing a lot of feedback of residents calling their various creditors (mortgage lenders, credit card companies, car loans, etc.) and being able to defer payments for up to three months. It sounds like in most cases, a simple phone call is all that is needed. I have also heard that various broadband and mobile companies are relaxing the data overage charges. Numerous online streaming companies are offering discounts or even free access.

There has been discussion that if and when a federal stimulus package is released, that you will be able to register on the IRS website for direct deposit, which will speed up any relief that you might receive. Take note of these webpages and check them for updates: https://tinyurl.com/tqjsjs9 and https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

As for what is going on in Byram, not much has changed from a week ago. All playing fields remain closed at this time. Municipal buildings remain closed to the public. Parks are still open for passive recreation (hiking, biking, etc.), but you must practice strict social distancing. Information about how Byram is responded to COVID-19 is here: https://tinyurl.com/wp68f8w

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Thanks for you time to review this.

Alex Rubenstein, Mayor
The Township of Byram