State & Federal Updates

Visit https://nj.gov/governor to see the latest news from Governor Murphy’s office.

General Information

Updated: May 19, 4:00 p.m.

  • NEW! Governor Murphy unveiled a multi-stage approach to executing a responsible and strategic restart of New Jersey’s economy. Read the press release on the plan here: Strategic Restart of the NJ Economy (PDF).
  • NEW! Senators Menendez and Cassidy introduced a bipartisan legislation to deliver critical, federal resources to states and communities on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight. This legislation, the State and Municipal Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act, targets $500 billion in emergency funding to every state, county and community in the country. Read more information on the bill here: Menendez, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan SMART Fund to help Frontline States, Communities in COVID-19 Fight (PDF).
  • The New Jersey Poison Information & Education System  published a story on the safe use of COVID prevention products. Read the information here: Safety, Sanitizing and Social Distancing (PDF)
  • The State of New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness maintains a webpage dedicated to rumor control and disinformation surrounding COVID-19 to help the public distinguish between facts and rumors regarding the pandemic. This page will be updated as more information becomes available. See it here: COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation.
  • The Office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker has complied and shared a specialized resource guide for New Jerseyans, featuring important information for Frontline Workers, Homeowners and Renters, Veterans, New Jerseyans Abroad, and more. See the full list of resources here: A Coronavirus Pandemic Resource Guide for New Jerseyans.
  • On March 20, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Public Utilities asked that every water provider, private or public, including those operated by municipal governments, suspend any water shut offs for reasons of non-payment, safe reconnection of anyone previously shut off, and a suspension of the use of liens as a collection practice until the outbreak of COVID-19 has subsided. Read the notice here: All Water Providers Asked to Suspend Shut Offs During Covid-19 Outbreak.
  • On March 19, The Supreme Court of New Jersey extended the deadline for Tax Appeal Filings to May 1, or 30 days following a determination by the Governor that the State of Emergency declared under Executive Order No. 103 has ended. Read the order here: Extension of Property Tax Appeal Filing Deadlines Because of COVID-19 Coronavirus Concerns
  • On March 17, the Social Security Administration closed all Social Security offices to the public for in-person service. The SSA can still be contacted by phone and online. Visit Social Security & Coronavirus for more information on get in touch with the SSA.

Daily Updates from Governor Murphy

Updated: May 19, 4:30 p.m.

Executive Orders Related to COVID-19

Updated: May 19, 4:30 p.m.

Locations that are accepting donations of Convalescent Plasma/Antibodies of cases who were positive for COVID-19

Updated: May 8, 2:00 p.m. 

Plasma donation from people who have recovered from COVID-19 may help people who are still severely ill with the disease. Because you fought the infection, your plasma may contain COVID-19 antibodies. You may qualify to donate plasma for coronavirus patients if you meet specific post-illness guidelines and also meet regular blood donation eligibility requirements:

  1. Some locations may require that donors be age 18 and older. Age and weight requirements may vary based on location. Generally donors age 17 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds.
  2. You are overall in good health and feel well, even if you’re being treated for a chronic condition.
  3. You had a verified diagnosis of COVID-19, are fully recovered from COVID-19 and are symptom free.
  4. Some locations may have additional criteria for those who would like to donate.

What is Plasma? Plasma is the clear, straw-colored liquid portion of blood. It carries out a variety of functions in the body, including clotting, fighting diseases and other critical functions. Organizations that are looking for VOLUNTEERS to donate plasma (each may have different requirements):

  • New York Blood Center (nybloodcenter.org): There are various locations in NJ (Paramus and Scotch Plains) and are the locations listed for Atlantic Health Hospitals.
  • American Red Cross (redcross.org): People wishing to donate complete a donor request form and then will be notified of an appointment site if they qualify. 
  • Hackensack Meridian Health (hackensackmerdianhealth.org):     Potential donors complete a survey. Location is in Hackensack, NJ.
  • Valley Hospital (valleyhealth.com): Testing is in Paramus, NJ.
  • University Hospital/Rutgers:  Newark, NJ    Those wishing to donate must have a COVID + result and be eligible to donate blood.  Call the Rutgers/University Hospital COVID-19 Treatment Group at 973-972-5474 or email covidplasma@uhnj.org
  • 6. RWJ Barnabas Health Hospitals: *Recovered patients of RWJ Barnabas Hospitals may receive notification from the hospital about donating plasma. Plasma is collected at blood banks the hospitals have contracts with which are the American Red Cross and New York Blood Center. More information can be found here, https://www.rwjbh.org/blog/2020/april/rwjbarnabas-health-seeks-donors-of-convalescent-/ or specifically for RWJ University Hospital in New Brunswick https://www.rwjbh.org/blog/2020/april/covid-19-convalescent-plasma-donation-in-new-bru/
  • Vitalant Blood Center: https://www.vitalant.org/Hidden-Pages/COVID-Plasma-FAQ.aspx

Other locations are currently pending and may become available soon.

Testing Locations

Updated: March 30, 9:30 a.m.

NJ State Testing Location – Northern Jersey

  • Bergen Community College
  • 400 Paramus Road
  • Paramus, NJ 07652
  • No appointment, drive in only

NJ State Testing Location – Southern Jersey

  • PNC Bank Arts Center
  • Garden State Parkway, Exit 116
  • Holmdel, NJ 07733
  • No appointment, drive in only

Cedar Grove

Newark

West Caldwell

West Orange

Tele-Medicine

RWJBarnabas Health TeleMed® - The Doctor is Online https://rwjbhtelemed.org/landing.htm

If you have concerns about COVID-19 or need to see a doctor without taking preventable risks, you can get the care you need by scheduling an online visit for just $15. Use payment code RWJBH15.