This page will contain the most up-to-date information on the ongoing Covid 19 outbreak
- The Hope and Healing program through RWJ's Institute for Prevention and Recovery is holding a free interactive webinar on Monday, November 15th entitled, Lessons Learned: Crafting Our Future. It's an opportunity to reflect on what we have been through and maybe find some lessons to carry us through and into our future. We look forward to an open guided discussion on where we have been, what lessons we have learned and how to find some meaning in all of this to carry us into the future. I am asking you to share the Webinar information with all of those in your community. Click here for more information
- Hope and Healing continues to offer our weekly programs open to all and free of charge and I ask you to please share those programs, as well. Click here for more information
The website to pre-register for the vaccine is now live. Please visit https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/
The general public can now pre-register, and this will allow your residents to input their personal, contact, health insurance, and demographic information. It will also allow for individuals to schedule an appointment for those who are immediately eligible based on screening questions.
We kindly ask that you share this link with your networks and official social media accounts.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2020
CONTACT: Christine Lee
Press Office: Governor's Office
Email: Christine.Lee@nj.gov
Governor Murphy Announces Financial Assistance to Protect Residential and Commercial Utility Customers
Utility Shutoff Moratorium also Extended until October 15th
TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the State’s public water, gas, and electric utility companies regulated by BPU have all agreed to extend their voluntary moratorium preventing shutoffs to both residential and commercial customers during the COVID-19 pandemic until October 15th. Additionally, the utilities will offer residential and commercial customers a flexible and extended Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) of at least 12 months and up to 24 months. No down payments will be required for this assistance.
“Utility services are critical and must continue uninterrupted during this unprecedented time,” said Governor Murphy. “No one should have to make a decision on whether to put food on the table or pay for basic necessities. With today’s announcement, in partnership with our public gas, electric and water utilities, we are continuing our commitment to extend strong financial relief to residents and businesses as they navigate their way toward stability.”
“Governor Murphy and I remain committed to helping people stay in their homes with full access to basic utilities as we weather this storm,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “In addition to this extended moratorium on shutoffs and flexible deferred repayment plans, the State has also responded by expanding our energy and rental assistance programs to help residents get through this crisis. We encourage people to visit: nj.gov/dca/dcaid to find out if they are eligible for one of our assistance programs.”
“This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for New Jerseyans who have been unable to pay their utility bills during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “With the cooperation of our state’s utilities, we have been able to provide an important helping hand to those who need it. That assistance will continue with payment flexibility and an array of assistance programs to help protect those who are struggling.”
“The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating economic impact on both families and businesses. The last thing anyone needs right now is to have their electricity or water shut off,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The agreement Governor Murphy announced today is an important relief measure that will shield the most vulnerable families and businesses from the impact of this unprecedented economic crisis and allow us all to devote more time and energy to overcoming COVID-19 and preparing for a strong, equitable recovery.”
The utilities have been communicating with customers about available assistance programs, account balances, and payment status. Beginning in September, the utilities will accelerate those outreach efforts.
Customers may start to receive shutoff notices in September. Should that occur, those customers should contact their utility as soon as possible prior to October 15 to make arrangements to continue their utility service, to explore enrolling in a DPA, and to learn about what other assistance programs might be available. However, no customer will be shut off before October 15.
Although utility service shutoffs are still suspended, customers should make payments toward their utility bills if they can. If a customer is struggling to pay, they should ask their utility company about assistance programs and payment plans, and they can also check NJBPU’s “Assistance Programs” page for information about State programs that are available to eligible customers.
Today’s announcement does not apply to cable and telecommunications companies. Those providers are covered by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 126 that prohibits these companies from terminating Internet and voice service due to non-payment until 30 days after the current public health emergency has ended.
NJBPU reminds and encourages all utility customers and ratepayers who have questions about their service to first contact their utility. A list of public gas and electricity utility company phone numbers is available here. If a ratepayer is unable to resolve an issue with their utility company, residents should contact NJBPU’s Customer Assistance team by filling out this online form, or by calling (800) 624-0241 and leaving a voicemail.
- 06-16-2020 - Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) DCA is pleased to announce the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which will provide temporary rental assistance to selected low and moderate income households who have experienced unemployment or reduced income due to the pandemic. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/cverap.html.
- 04-17-2020 - Here is a link to a resource guide that was put together by Monmouth County Aging, disabilities and Veterans Services.
https://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/118/COVID19_Pandemic_Resource_Guide_41620.pdf
- 04-02-2020 - The Lake Como Building Department will not be reviewing permits or conducting inspections effective Thursday, April 2 through Thursday, April 16. Multiple inspectors are now under self quaratine status. This decision has been made to protect the inspectors and residents of the Borough of Lake Como. If you have any questions, please call Borough Hall at 732-681-3232 or email building@boro.lake-como.nj.us
- 03-27-2020 - Please click HERE for Social Distancing Guidance for Essential Retail Businesses
- 03-27-2020 - Please click HERE for information on how Verizon is helping customers during time of great need.
- 03-24-2020 - Please click HERE for information on how to obtain free Comcast hotspots
- Message from the Belmar Police Department:
Unfortunately, even in this time, there will be a small percentage of people that are going to want to take advantage of you in reference to Coronavirus/COVID-19. In the last several weeks, there have been reports of different types of scams being conducted all over the nation by phone, text, email and even individuals going door to door. Here are a few facts you need to know:
• The health department is not going to be visiting you at home.
• No one, not even the health department is going door to door to conduct a survey whether you or your family has symptoms, has contracted or has tested positive for Coronavirus /COVID-19.
• There is not any medication that you can buy online for any amount of money to protect you from this virus.
• The government will not call, email or text you that your stimulus check is ready and you need to provide them with your social security number, bank account or credit card number or any other personal information.
• Your bank will not be contacting you for your personal information to have a stimulus check deposited into your account. They have your personal information!
If you receive a call, text or email asking for your personal information, it is a scam. You should not give out any personal information over the phone, in a text or email.
If someone comes to your door requesting information on coronavirus/COVID-19, states they are doing a survey or claim to be the health department ask them to leave and call the police department.
If you receive any emails, phone calls or test messages that relate to any of the information in this message, please contact the police department so that a record can be made.
Just to summarize, please do not give out any of your personal information over the phone, in an email, text message or anyone that comes to your door. We are here for you and your health and safety is our top priority. Please contact the Belmar Police Department at 732-681-1700 with any questions or dial 911 if there is an emergency.
- 03-21-2020 Update to our State of Emergency Declaration
Today, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107 directing that residents are to stay at home and all non-essential businesses must close entirely to the public effective at 9PM on March 21st.
We are urging everyone to work together to help halt the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home or your place of residence unless you are leaving for reasons stated in Executive Order 107 which you can view a summary of HERE.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Belmar Police Department for non-emergency questions at 732-681-1700 or dial 911 for all emergencies.
We are carefully monitoring this issue and will send updates to residents as they occur. Please continue to monitor the Borough website, in addition to the Monmouth County Health Department for updates.
