Latest Hopatcong-Sparta Coronavirus Updates. What You Should Know

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.

This week, the testing facility at The County College of Morris has been opened to a limited number of Sussex County residents.

A group in Sparta has also been organizing resources to support the front line in their fight.

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. An Atlantic Health employees has expressed her concerns over working during the pandemic and a study says the peak of coronavirus infections may come sooner rather than later.

U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill has launched a bipartisan task force with members of the northeast states hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department of Health has also posted data and statistics including hospitalization age groups, county totals and illnesses by onset date.

The Morristown Medical Center has also been on the receiving end of dozens of donuts and more from a local Dunkin' Donuts franchisee. Throughout New Jersey, residents are being reminded not to recycle medical waste such as gloves and masks.

There is now also an accounting of coronavirus cases and deaths in Sussex County nursing homes. A drive thru coronavirus test site has expanded access.

A Sparta man was arrested after refusing to wear a mask in a food store and attacking a police officer.

SCHOOLS

All schools in New Jersey will remain closed through at least May 18 in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said.

BUSINESSES

• Restaurants, reeling amid the crisis, andsome locals have banded together to not only support them but to feed the front line fighting the pandemic.
• 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.

More:

Murphy presented data showing that a number of New Jersey counties have had a significant slowing of the coronavirus outbreak. Murphy made the announcement as he provided the latest daily numbers on the outbreak: 4,427 new cases and 307 more deaths. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Here's Where Coronavirus Slowing Most, Least In NJ

A leading model for coronavirus predictions says June is when New Jersey may be ready to relax some social distancing measures. Read more: Here's When NJ May Be Ready To Relax Social Distancing: Study

Murphy fired back at New Jersey critics on Saturday who called for reopening the economy during the new coronavirus pandemic, saying we'll have "blood on our hands" if the state reopens too quickly. Read more: Gov. Murphy Blasts 'Irresponsible' Critics Of Coronavirus Actions

On Friday, Murphy said New Jersey will likely require students to wear masks if they return to school in May. Read more: Gov. Murphy: Kids Will Likely Wear Masks If They Return To School

Here's what else you should know:

• 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
• Murphy announced on Thursday, April 16 that schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• 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
• 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
• On Friday, March 27, Murphy allowed more types of New Jersey 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
• Murphy announced on Tuesday, April 7 that state and county parks will close. Read more: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus Crisis's Deadliest Day

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