NJ Opens Jobs Portal, as it Awaits Federal Monies

By George N. Saliba, Managing Editor On Mar 24, 2020

Gov. Murphy said at today’s state COVID-19 press conference that he had just spoken with federal legislators and the White House, and it is expected “that a direct cash infusion from Washington to states will soon happen. I am knocking on wood, as I say that.”

He added that such aid would not only support the crisis’ immediate needs, but also hospitals, mass transit, community development, funding unemployment and small businesses, for example.

Gov. Murphy additionally said the state has opened a new online portal to connect New Jerseyans with job openings in critical industries responding to COVID-19 (https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov). Similarly, employers in critical industries can alert the state about urgent hiring needs related to COVID-19 at https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake

New Jersey announced 846 new COVID-19 cases overnight, for a new statewide total of 3,675 cases. Seventeen new fatalities were announced overnight for a total of 44 fatalities since the virus first struck the state.

Gov. Murphy said, “We have lost 44 fellow New Jerseyans. And if anyone is looking to me for a reason to justify the [social distancing] steps that we have ordered, I can now give you 44 of those reasons.”

Increasing cases as well as expanded testing are expected to only add to the COVID-19 figures, and on the second point, Gov. Murphy stressed that such data is necessary as the state continues its effective ongoing response efforts.

Passaic County is opening a COVID-19 testing site tomorrow at William Paterson University for county residents only who have a physician’s referral.

President Trump meanwhile gave his support – and FEMA reiterated its support for – New Jersey field hospitals. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be constructing them at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, Atlantic City Convention Center and the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, with a yet-to-be-announced additional location also to be constructed.

When will the pandemic end in the Garden State?

Gov. Murphy said overall, “It takes time for us to see the impacts of social distancing. So, while we can wait to see the numbers plateau and eventually decrease, we do not know when that will be – and we will continue to take every step possible to ensure social distancing.”

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