Author: Anne Forline

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Covid-19 News Recent News

COVID-19 Update: Cases, Trends; Hospital Census & Cases by County

COVID-19 updates and data.

This post is updated every day and throughout the day as new information becomes available. Scroll through as post is organized:

  1. Camden County
  2. Gloucester County
  3. Statewide Data

Editor’s Note: Camden County recently announced that new cases and deaths in the County will no longer be announced on weekends or holidays. All weekend cases and deaths will be announced on the next business day and will be properly attributed to the day they were received.

Camden County:

On July 8, 2020, the Camden County Department of Health announced 50 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Camden County. This brings the aggregate number of confirmed positive cases to 8,031 in Camden County today and 479 total fatalities.

“Today, Governor Murphy announced a new mandate requiring the use of face masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “We know that the wearing of masks is our best weapon in the fight against coronavirus. It is imperative that we all understand that the decision to wear a mask while in public is not a political statement, it is a public health decision that directly impacts the people around. This is a small sacrifice compared to the threat this virus poses to our community. Please, if you cannot maintain appropriate distance from others, even if you are outdoors, wear a mask or face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The Department of Health is announcing 50 additional positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) identified in Camden County. Trace investigations are being facilitated with the patients and remain ongoing.

In addition, the county Department of Health is also announcing 1,319 confirmed resident cases and 493 staff cases have occurred out of the aggregate case load of 8,031 in our 56 long-term care facilities. At this time, 303 resident deaths have been reported from these facilities, as well as three staff deaths, out of our 479 total fatalities countywide.

The following information is currently available regarding new patients:

New Patient 1: Female, 40s, Barrington
New Patient 2: Female, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 3: Male, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 4: Male, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 5: Male, 70s, Camden City
New Patient 6: Female, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 7: Male, 40s, Camden City
New Patient 8: Female, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 9: Male, 50s, Camden City
New Patient 10: Male, 50s, Camden City
New Patient 11: Female, 70s, Camden City
New Patient 12: Female, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 13: Male, 50s, Camden City
New Patient 14: Female, 70s, Camden City
New Patient 15: Male, 70s, Camden City
New Patient 16: Male, 30s, Camden City
New Patient 17: Male, Unknown, Cherry Hill
New Patient 18: Male, 70s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 19: Female, 80s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 20: Female, 80s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 21: Female, 80s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 22: Male, 70s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 23: Male, 80s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 24: Male, 20s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 25: Male, 30s, Cherry Hill
New Patient 26: Male, 20s, Collingswood
New Patient 27: Female, 30s, Gloucester City
New Patient 28: Male, 60s, Gloucester City
New Patient 29: Female, 60s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 30: Female, 50s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 31: Female, 20s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 32: Female, 30s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 33: Female, 30s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 34: Male, 40s, Gloucester Twp.
New Patient 35: Male, 20s, Haddon Heights
New Patient 36: Female, 70s, Lawnside
New Patient 37: Female, 30s, Lawnside
New Patient 38: Male, Juvenile, Oaklyn
New Patient 39: Female, 30s, Pennsauken
New Patient 40: Female, 40s, Pennsauken
New Patient 41: Female, 30s, Pennsauken
New Patient 42: Female, 20s, Pine Hill
New Patient 43: Male, 50s, Somerdale
New Patient 44: Male, 50s, Voorhees
New Patient 45: Female, 80s, Voorhees
New Patient 46: Female, 80s, Voorhees
New Patient 47: Male, 60s, Waterford Twp.
New Patient 48: Male, 20s, Waterford Twp.
New Patient 49: Male, 80s, Winslow Twp.
New Patient 50: Male, 10s, Winslow Twp.

The county Health Department is currently working to trace close contacts of these newest cases. The investigations are still ongoing, and we will update the public with new developments as the information is gathered by our investigators.

Residents should call 9-1-1 during emergencies only, for those with questions or concerns related to the coronavirus, call the free, 24-hour public hotline at 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253, where trained professionals are standing by to answer your questions. New Jersey residents can now also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their zip code to 898-211.

Click here to read Camden County Health Dept. Rectifies COVID-19 Cases From State.

Gloucester County:

On July 8, 2020, the Gloucester County Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Emergency Management have announced 15 additional cases of COVID-19.

As of July 8, 2020, Gloucester County has conducted 23,891 total tests. Of these cases, 20,204 have come back negative.

Gloucester County’s total positive COVID-19 case count is now 2,687.

Gloucester County has reported 184 deaths. A full list including age, sex and municipality is available here: http://gloucestercountynj.gov/documents/COVID19CASESLATESTUPDATE7.08.20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR21eLTRJvaN3ZsOYvWSwE1qC–4vRNWvV6DouGy-wegNyo2kI7CFo4-ls4

Information on COVID-19 deaths in Gloucester County begins on page 56.

Image Credit: Gloucester County

Gloucester County COVID-19 Cases by Town

Clayton Borough
Cases: 77
Deaths: 1

Deptford Township
Cases: 567
Deaths: 76

East Greenwich Township
Cases: 55
Deaths: 1

Elk Township
Cases: 33
Deaths: 1

Franklin Township
Cases: 82
Deaths: 4

Glassboro Borough
Cases: 148
Deaths: 6

Greenwich Township
Cases: 26
Deaths: 1

Harrison Township
Cases: 70
Deaths: 1

Logan Township
Cases: 44
Deaths: 1

Mantua Township
Cases: 110
Deaths: 2

Monroe Township
Cases: 304
Deaths: 10

National Park Borough
Cases: 19
Deaths: 2

Newfield Borough
Cases: 8
Deaths: 2

Paulsboro Borough
Cases: 68
Deaths: 4

Pitman Borough
Cases: 49
Deaths: 2

South Harrison Township
Cases: 81
Deaths: 0

Swedesboro Borough
Cases: 42
Deaths: 2

Washington Township
Cases: 429
Deaths: 36

Wenonah Borough
Cases: 13
Deaths: 1

West Deptford Township
Cases: 172
Deaths: 17

Westville Borough
Cases: 45
Deaths: 1

Woodbury City
Cases: 103
Deaths: 8

Woodbury Heights Borough
Cases: 21
Deaths: 1

Woolwich Township
Cases: 106
Deaths: 4

Statewide Data

Credit: New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard

**This post is regularly updated as new data becomes available.**

Categories
Bright Side Covid-19 Feature Stories

Your Place At The Table Using South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Grant To Feed Those In Need

Haddonfield, NJ – A $3,000 South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund grant has helped Your Place At The Table (YPATT), a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, continue their mission of providing food assistance to those in need.  

YPATT has experienced a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in food requests in their service area, including Harrison Township, Mantua, East Greenwich, South Harrison, and Elk, since the beginning of the Pandemic.

YPATT–a nonprofit started by families through Bible study at Trinity and Methodist Church in Mullica Hill–works with families, seniors, and single parents to provide food assistance to those in need. As part of the program, families visit once a month to pick up food items.  The group also delivers to individuals or families unable to visit the food pantry.  Last year, YPATT collected more than 25,000 pounds of food. With no state or federal food donations, Your Place At The Table has always relied on the generosity of the community.  

The South Jersey Response Fund grant allowed YPATT to buy additional food and special items such as milk. Prior to the grant, there were not enough funds or donations to fit special requests. Now, even with the large increase in food assistance needs, YPATT is able to meet the needs and even expand the program. 

“Many small nonprofits were unprepared for a crisis as overwhelming as the COVID-19 pandemic, said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer.  “The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund was created to support organizations like Your Place At The Table assisting neighbors with the economic crisis.  Their work during this time is inspiring; CFSJ is proud to partner with them during this difficult period.”

“The generosity of the community and the Community Foundation of South Jersey during these unprecedented times is both uplifting and encouraging,” said YPATT Director Kristen Skrobanek.  “Fulfilling the needs of those who are hungry will continue to bring us together, and we know the strength and perseverance of our community will support our program in the months to come.”

The SouthJersey COVID-19 Response Fund continues to respond to local nonprofits that need support to serve communities impacted by the pandemic. To date, South Jersey nonprofits requested more than $6  million, while the Fund has raised $1 million. To support the only fund where donations stay in our South Jersey region, visit southjerseyresponsefund.org. 

About Your Place At The Table

Your Place At The Table is a volunteer-run organization that offers support and guidance, and a compassionate touch that builds confidence and restores self-worth.  The group is focused on nourishing individuals and families by partnering with the community to provide food and supplies to those in need.

About the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) envisions an eight-county region thriving where all neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give. The vision is realized as CFSJ inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. CFSJ works with South Jersey philanthropists, local nonprofits, and neighbors to build capital, contribute assets, and create permanent endowments for impact in perpetuity. By aligning donor interests and using the investment earnings on each of its endowed funds, CFSJ makes grants and builds leadership within the community to create thriving, equitable, and livable communities for all. Currently, CFSJ manages assets of more than $23 million. CFSJ has issued more than $9 million in nonprofit grants and scholarships. Learn more about CFSJ at CommunityFoundationSJ.org.

Categories
Education Recent News

Atlantic Cape Community College to Open Fall Semester on Aug. 31 with On-Campus & Remote Learning Options

With the recent lifting of Governor Murphy’s “Stay-at-Home” order, Atlantic Cape is preparing for students to take courses this fall. The College will offer limited face-to-face classes, which may include courses that require hands-on labs like culinary, health sciences, and other related courses.

Atlantic Cape’s President, Dr. Barbara Gaba, said, “The reopening of the campuses will be a measured and gradual approach to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. Our Coronavirus Task Force has developed a comprehensive reopening plan and is reviewing all cleaning and sanitizing protocols, to ensure that Atlantic Cape can provide the necessary in-person services (such as Financial Aid, Admissions, and Advising) for student success.”

Image credit: Atlantic Cape

Atlantic Cape will provide loaner computers to students who need them, as well as a host of remote student services, including tutoring, counseling, online student club activities, career services, and advising. Atlantic Cape has also increased their online tutoring services, so it is available to students 24/7.

The College is currently continuing with their online classes for the Summer, with some courses available for the second summer session that begins June 29 and the third session on July 13. The first classes for Fall 2020 begin August 31. Atlantic Cape has a range of scholarships available to all students, an emergency fund for students impacted by COVID-19, and the Tuition-Free Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is open to anyone who meets the state’s criteria.

Any interested student for credit or non-credit classes can visit Atlantic Cape – www. atlantic.edu/registration to register for Summer and Fall classes online.

Categories
Bright Side Recent News

Federal Railroad Administration Announces More Than $500,000 to Deter Trespassing

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded more than half a million dollars in Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grants to law enforcement agencies today to support life-saving trespass abatement in multiple states.

“This money will help local law enforcement agencies deter people from taking unnecessary risks around railroad tracks, while continuing the focus on those specific populations that are known to subject themselves to such risks around railroad tracks,” FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said.

FRA is announcing funds, totaling $528,028, to 11 projects in six states: California, Florida, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina and New Jersey. The agency received a total of 23 eligible applications for the grant program.

In awarding the grants, FRA focused on trespass hot spots — geographic areas where law enforcement agencies have witnessed high instances of the behavior. Between 2014 and 2018, FRA research confirmed 4,721 trespass incidents resulting in 2,412 deaths in the United States.

This grant program exemplifies priorities outlined in FRA’s National Strategy to Prevent Trespassing on Railroad Property, which the agency issued in 2018. These include funding and developing partnerships among stakeholders well-positioned to assist their communities.

In making these grant selections, FRA afforded preference to 10 states with the highest numbers of trespass-related incidents. FRA then considered geographic diversity and applicants using innovative approaches to saving lives.

Law enforcement agency grantees will report their programmatic outcomes, ensuring agencies meet project goals through the activities negotiated in their agreements with FRA. These agencies will also provide other activity details, including the rationale for the selected enforcement activities. This information will contribute to the wealth of research FRA incorporates into its national life-saving efforts.

“Local law enforcement officers know these areas and the residents’ needs, so we’re investing to help them serve their communities,” Batory said. “This work and resulting information will help us save even more lives.”

FRA will provide law enforcement grants to cover officer wages for the projects below. Read more about the projects here.

California

  • Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board Reducing Trespassing on Caltrain Right-of-Way — Up to $48,500
  • San Bernardino Police Department Operation Safe Rails — Up to $80,000
  • Southern California Regional Rail Authority Metrolink Trespasser Reduction Task Force — Up to $50,008

Florida

  • Broward Sheriff’s Office Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant — Up to $80,000
  • City of Jacksonville Railroad Trespassing Education and Enforcement Project — Up to $20,100
  • Hollywood Police Department Trespassing Pilot Grant Program Operation Fast Track — Up to $50,000
  • Tampa Police Department Trespassing Prevention Program — Up to $41,920

Massachusetts

  • City of Fitchburg Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Program — Up to $7,500

Montana

  • Billings Police Department Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant — Up to $50,000

North Carolina

  • Greensboro Police Department Railway Trespass Initiative — Up to $40,000

New Jersey

  • New Jersey Transit Police Department FY19 Railroad Trespassing Enforcement Grant — Up to $60,000
Categories
In The Courts News

Lindenwold Man Admits Trafficking High-Dosage Oxycodone Pills as Part of Camden & Gloucester City Drug Rings

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man admitted on July 7, 2020 that he bought and sold 80 milligram oxycodone pills as part of his role in drug trafficking operations based in Gloucester City and Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Wayne Muse, 73, of Lindenwold, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone and one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of oxycodone.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Muse and others, including Rocco DePoder and Erick Bell, allegedly agreed to distribute oxycodone in South Jersey between January and March 2020.

On Feb. 13 and 14, 2020, Muse communicated with DePoder using the telephone – in communications that were intercepted during a wiretap investigation led by the FBI – and arranged to sell DePoder 60 80 mg. oxycodone pills, which Muse planned to purchase from an individual identified as “Seller-1.” On Feb. 14, 2020, DePoder paid Muse $600, and Muse used $300 of that money to buy the 60 oxycodone pills from Seller-1. Muse then provided the 60 oxycodone pills to DePoder, keeping the remaining $300. Between January and March 2020, Muse also sold oxycodone pills to Bell.

Each count of the information carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a maximum fine of $1 million.

Others, including DePoder and Bell, were charged in criminal complaints in March 2020.  Their cases are pending, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of FBI Philadelphia Division, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Driscoll; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert L. Wilson; the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Jared M. Maples; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the FBI Newark Division, New Jersey State Police, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni of the Office’s Camden branch and Sara F. Merin of the Newark Office.