Full Notification

As we continue on with life in our ‘new (but temporary) normal’, I would like to provide updates on a variety of topics for residents and businesses alike.

First and foremost, I am appreciative of the public servants in our town, especially the DPW, PD, FD and LES, who continue to provide services to our residents in the face of considerable risk. I am also respectful and very gracious to all of the healthcare workers who are placing themselves in considerable danger by just going to work.

Yesterday I was made aware of the first COVID-19 death of one of our own citizens in Byram, a 56-year-old female. Please keep the family in your thoughts. As of yesterday, over 300 cases of COVID-19 in our county have been identified, with 14 being in Byram.

It would seem many residents who are sheltering in place at their homes have taken this time to start the maintenance of their property early. We have received a few requests to open the township leaf and brush recycling areas, and in response we have opened it early this year. Remember, this is for township residents only and not for use by contractors. Information: http://nixle.us/BRA22

Today (Tuesday, April 7^th), at 4:50p EST, Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) will be hosting a telephone town hall focused on small businesses and unemployment assistance. You need to register at https://sherrill.house.gov/live
 
Also, Rep. Sherrill has a pretty informative webpage outlining resources available to businesses: https://sherrill.house.gov/coronavirus/business-resources

The Byram Township website also has a considerable amount of information for business who are suffering due to the impact COVID-19: https://www.byramtwp.org/index.php/articles/covid-19_assistance_programs_for_businesses_suffering_economic_hardship

Today, at 12:30pm, Atlantic Health CEO will be conducting a Facebook live event, discussion on how Atlantic Health is responding to this pandemic: https://www.facebook.com/events/813170225755341/

As many might know, part of the CARES act is considerably funding for forgivable loans and cash advances for small businesses. This is being administered by the SBA. Information at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

For those of you looking for work, the NJ COVID-19 jobs portal still lists nearly 50,000 positions available: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/

The CDC has updated their COVID-19 website, specifically the section on how to protect yourself. Check it out at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

The Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) continues to update their COVID webpage: https://tinyurl.com/yx5nr8n7

Thanks again for taking the time to review this. As for what is going on in town, things are still more or less the same: playing fields remain closed at this time, and the municipal buildings remain closed to the public. Parks are open for passive recreation (hiking, biking, etc.), but you must practice strict social distancing.

Information about how Byram is responding to COVID-19 is here: https://tinyurl.com/wp68f8w

If you have not signed up for the NIXLE Community Notification System, please do so, by texting the word BYRAM to 888777, then, when prompted, respond with a valid email address to receive community alerts.  This is the fastest way to get updates from the town.

Alex Rubenstein, Mayor
The Township of Byram