Latest Hopatcong-Sparta Coronavirus Updates

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Hopatcong, Sparta, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

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The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced.

In Hopatcong, the police are asking that residents think twice before calling for an ambulance. And a woman in Sparta has started a sewing movement to provide masks to medical facilities.

Sparta saw a ShopRite employee sent home for illness and some experts think the peak of coronavirus cases is coming sooner rather than later.

The Department of Health has also posted data and statistics including hospitalization age groups, county totals and illnesses by onset date.

SCHOOLS

All schools in New Jersey will remain closed through at least May 4 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.

BUSINESSES

• Patch has also begun an initiative to allow local businesses to let their patrons know their availability and how they can support them.

HOSPITALS

• Many have leapt in to help provide personal protection equipment to local hospitals. This comes amidst reports there might not be enough beds available for patients.
• In Morristown, the rehab center on Mt. Kemble Avenue has been repurposed to treat coronavirus patients.

Here's what else you should know:

Gov. Phil Murphy offered some insight into how long the coronavirus crisis may last in New Jersey just as he was providing an update to the outbreak's toll on Monday: 3,663 new cases and 86 more deaths. The numbers marked the second day in a row that the numbers were much lower than the outbreak's worst day on Saturday. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Coronavirus May 'Spill Meaningfully Into The Summer'

Murphy announced that the coronavirus outbreak once again had its worst day on Saturday, with 4,331 new cases and 200 more dead. Read more: Coronavirus Outbreak's Worst Day In NJ: 4,331 New Cases, 200 Die

Here are four urgent tasks New Jersey wants you to do during the coronavirus outbreak, including wearing a mask. And here's why. Read more: Wear A Mask! 4 Things NJ Wants You To Do In Coronavirus Outbreak

Other Notes:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy also has announced the launch of a new online portal to connect New Jersey residents with jobs in critical industries responding to COVID-19. Read more: Companies ARE Hiring: NJ Launches Online Job Portal
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump
• Murphy has emphasized the need to wear a mask or face covering when going out in public. Read more: Wear A Mask! 4 Things NJ Wants You To Do In Coronavirus Outbreak
• Local police also have been cracking down on gatherings of people in certain towns. Read more: Police Identify Rumson Man Who They Say Hosted Pink Floyd Party
• New Jersey residents are expected to start receiving stimulus payments soon. Here's what you need to do beforehand. Read more: Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments: What You Need To Do In NJ
• On Friday, March 27, Murphy allowed more types of NJ businesses – including gun sellers – to operate in the coronavirus outbreak. What's open and closed now? Read more: What's Open, Closed? More NJ Business To Operate Amid Coronavirus

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