Berkeley Coronavirus Updates: No Increase In Deaths

BERKELEY, NJ — There's a lot of news to keep up with right now — locally, nationally and worldwide. Here's a recap of coronavirus updates in Berkeley.

Cases

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 798 total coronavirus cases and 100 deaths as of 2 p.m. Friday. That's an increase of 51 cases and no new deaths since Berkeley Patch's last update July 24.

Although numbers have slightly fluctuated because of changing information, it appears Berkeley's death toll has remained stagnant. The OCHD reported Berkeley's 100th coronavirus death July 7.

The OCHD reported four new cases Thursday in the county, bringing the area to 10,815 cases and 957 deaths.

Recent Updates

• Despite changing guidance from state officials and a new option to begin the school year completely virtually, the Central Regional School District will move forward with its reopening plan, officials said. MORE.
• Berkeley Township will distribute emergency "crisis" food kits Thursday. Kits will be available from 12-1:30 p.m. at two locations: the Holiday City at Berkeley Clubhouse parking lot and the Recreation Center (630 Atlantic City Blvd.). Seniors, homebound families and those without transportation can get kits delivered. MORE.
• Authorities say they changed Lakeside Diner's locks early Friday morning since the owner has repeatedly defied Gov. Phil Murphy's ban on indoor dining and received several citations. MORE.
• Berkeley Township is holding its annual school supply drive. This year, they're asking for a little more because of the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Recreation requested donations of reusable masks and other personal protective equipment. MORE.
• Help Patch recognize those making a difference. Here's how to nominate a Berkeley hero.

Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy, speaking during a Friday news conference, said New Jersey has run into trouble in its efforts to contain the coronavirus because of contact-tracing problems. Murphy made the announcement as he revealed 313 new coronavirus cases and 13 more confirmed deaths were reported. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ's COVID-19 Contact Tracing Is 'Highly Disturbing'
• Murphy has rejected calls to reopen New Jersey on a regional basis, as well as business industry calls to reopen gyms and indoor dining. Here's why. Read more: Gov. Murphy Nixes NJ Regional Reopen, Gym, Indoor Dining Restart
• Murphy announced that every voter is going to be mailed a ballot weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The step is being taken as New Jersey continues to deal with the effects of the coronavirus. Read more: Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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