GoFundMe Helps LBI Workers Laid Off During Coronavirus

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — The Long Bach Island Chamber of Commerce created a fundraiser for workers affected by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The GoFundMe will be disbursed in full to LBI staff who faced a layoff.

Once donations start coming in, the LBI Chamber of Commerce will open applications for assistance.

"Business owners will be responsible for applying on behalf of their affected staff by providing names, contact information, and impact dates to the LBI Chamber of Commerce," the organization said. "Aid will be provided based on criteria set by the team at LBICC and the amount of funds raised."

Click here to donate.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Governor Phil Murphy issued a stay-at-home order Saturday, closing all "non-essential" businesses that evening. Murphy recently lifted restrictions on five types of businesses:

• Mobile phone retail and repair shops;
• Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair;
• Livestock feed stores;
• Nurseries and garden centers;
• Farming equipment stores.

Read more: Gov. Murphy: More NJ Business Can Now Open In Coronavirus Crisis

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 200 cases of the virus as of Wednesday morning. The total includes six in Barnegat, one in Barnegat Light, two in Long Beach Township, one in Ship Bottom, one in Surf City and four in Stafford.

Governor Phil Murphy announced 846 new cases Tuesday, raising the state total to 3,675 — the second largest in the country. Murphy also announced 17 more deaths, as 44 have now died of the virus in New Jersey. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Has Largest Coronavirus Death Toll In One Day

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