Author: Anne Forline

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Covid-19 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 September 25, 2020, the Camden County Department of Health announced 31 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Camden County. This brings the aggregate number of confirmed positive cases to 10,542 in Camden County today and 552 total fatalities.

“Even on days when no new deaths are reported, I ask that you join me in keeping the more than 500 Camden County residents who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 in your thoughts and prayers,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “As we enter an uncertain phase of this pandemic, I am inspired by the hard work and sacrifice of our community. Thanks to our residents who continue to wear masks and social distance, we have maintained low rates of transmission throughout the summer. If we continue this effort into the fall, I have no doubt that we can emerge from this crisis.”

The Department of Health is announcing 31 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 1,435 confirmed resident cases and 600 staff cases have occurred out of the aggregate case load of 10,542 in our 56 long-term care facilities.

At this time, 326 resident deaths have been reported from these facilities, as well as three staff deaths, out of our 552 total fatalities countywide.

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.

For those residents who are having difficulty coping with the COVID-19 crisis, please call the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc. at (877) 294- HELP (4357) between the hours of 8AM to 8PM for emotional support, guidance and mental health referrals as needed. For additional information and services, call Camden County’s Office of Mental Health & Addiction at (856) 374-6361.

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, or text NJCOVID to 898-211.

Camden County COVID-19 Cases by Town

Audubon Boro
Cases: 97
Deaths: 4

Audubon Park Boro
Cases: 7
Deaths: 0

Barrington
Cases: 56
Deaths: 4

Bellmawr
Cases: 177
Deaths: 8

Berlin Boro
Cases: 102
Deaths: 11

Berlin Twp.
Cases: 55
Deaths: 2

Brooklawn
Cases: 32
Deaths: 0

Camden City
Cases: 2,764
Deaths: 91

Cherry Hill
Cases: 1,431
Deaths: 144

Chesilhurst
Cases: 31
Deaths: 1

Clementon
Cases: 106
Deaths: 5

Collingswood
Cases: 181
Deaths: 16

Gibbsboro
Cases: 21
Deaths: 0

Gloucester City
Cases: 151
Deaths: 4

Gloucester Twp.
Cases: 1,0675
Deaths: 58

Haddonfield
Cases: 112
Deaths: 4

Haddon Heights
Cases: 60
Deaths 3

Haddon Township
Cases: 127
Deaths: 5

Hi-Nella
Cases: 6
Deaths: 1

Lawnside
Cases: 83
Deaths: 2

Laurel Springs
Cases: 23
Deaths: 1

Lawnside:
Cases: 83
Deaths: 2

Lindenwold
Cases: 558
Deaths: 11

Magnolia
Cases: 39
Deaths: 1

Merchantville
Cases: 80
Deaths: 11

Mt. Ephraim
Cases: 45
Deaths: 2

Oaklyn
Cases: 40
Deaths: 1

Pennsauken
Cases: 955
Deaths: 16

Pine Hill Boro
Cases: 181
Deaths: 3

Pine Valley
Cases: 0
Deaths: 0

Runnemede
Cases: 1067
Deaths: 3

Somerdale
Cases: 77
Deaths: 1

Stratford
Cases: 88
Deaths: 2

Voorhees
Cases: 729
Deaths: 98

Waterford Twp.
Cases: 135
Deaths: 4

Winslow Twp.
Cases: 707
Deaths: 35

Woodlynne
Cases: 105
Deaths: 0

Gloucester County:

On September 25, 2020, the Gloucester County Department of Health and Human and Office of Emergency Management have announced 45 additional cases of COVID-19.

As of September 25, 2020, Gloucester County has conducted 59,373 total tests. Of these cases, 54,840 have come back negative.

Gloucester County’s total positive COVID-19 case count is now 4,533.

Gloucester County has reported 219 deaths. A full list including age, sex and municipality is available here:

http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/documents/COVID19CASESLATESTUPDATE9.25.20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2KleeMG4aoD5zXy-H07Uou7hrnBU3sBj8VSn1VqyRbjM-ZUBqrJJbkme8

Information on COVID-19 deaths in Gloucester County begins on page 94.

Image credit: Gloucester County

Gloucester County COVID-19 Cases by Town

Clayton Borough
Cases: 113
Deaths: 1

Deptford Township
Cases: 731
Deaths: 90

East Greenwich Township
Cases: 116
Deaths: 1

Elk Township
Cases: 49
Deaths: 1

Franklin Township
Cases: 146
Deaths: 7

Glassboro Borough
Cases: 528
Deaths: 7

Greenwich Township
Cases: 55
Deaths: 3

Harrison Township
Cases: 183
Deaths: 1

Logan Township
Cases: 62
Deaths: 1

Mantua Township
Cases: 214
Deaths: 2

Monroe Township
Cases: 471
Deaths: 12

National Park Borough
Cases: 28
Deaths: 4

Newfield Borough
Cases: 20
Deaths: 2

Paulsboro Borough
Cases: 91
Deaths: 4

Pitman Borough
Cases: 106
Deaths: 3

South Harrison Township
Cases: 97
Deaths: 0

Swedesboro Borough
Cases: 61
Deaths: 2

Washington Township
Cases: 783
Deaths: 40

Wenonah Borough
Cases: 26
Deaths: 1

West Deptford Township
Cases: 249
Deaths: 18

Westville Borough
Cases: 62
Deaths: 2

Woodbury City
Cases: 147
Deaths: 12

Woodbury Heights Borough
Cases: 31
Deaths: 1

Woolwich Township
Cases: 164
Deaths: 4

Statewide Data

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

Categories
Bright Side Recent News

Bellmawr Planning Board to Hear Application for Chipotle on Oct. 5

On Monday, October 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., the Bellmawr Planning Board will hear via teleconferencing the application by Bellmawr Equities LLC for preliminary and final major site approval to construct a 2,325 square foot Chipotle restaurant with one mobile order pickup lane.

The proposed location is 2 N. Black Horse Pike and is currently vacant. It was the site of the closed Artist House Studios.

Mayor Chuck Sauter made an official announcement on September 24, 2020.

Image credit: Google

The municipality will post the proposed exhibits for public viewing on the Board’s webpage at https://bellmawr.com/planning-board at least two days prior to the public hearing.

Members of the public who wish to introduce or rely upon exhibits and evidence during the hearing that are not part of the application or plans should provide such material(s) as soon as possible to the Board Secretary, Margaret Sandrock, by email at taxcollector@bellmawr.com. 

While the Borough Municipal Building remains closed to the public for Board meetings, members of the public will have full access to the meeting, and will also be able to give public comment, present objections, and/or cross-examine witnesses on the application being heard by the Board:

Through GoToMeeting or telephone by following the below directions:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/782078813

Dial in using only your telephone:

United States: +1(408) 650-3123 Access Code: 782-078-813

The Applicant will seek any variances, waivers, and approvals that may be required.

Regarding variances and approvals being sought, the following are additional details copied from the Public Notice that was published on September 25, 2020:

  1. Section 260-57H Minimum setback requirement for trash enclosure 5 feet required; 1.5 feet proposed;
  2. Section 260-87 Loading zone; 1 loading space required; 0 loading spaces proposed;
  3. Section 260-90D(2) Maximum area of freestanding sign; 25 sf permitted; 39.84 sf proposed;
  4. Section 260-90D(4) Maximum height of freestanding sign; 12 feet permitted; 20 feet proposed;
  5. Section 260-90D(1) Maximum number of façade signs; 2 permitted; 3 proposed; and
  6. Section 260-90D(2) Minimum setback requirement for freestanding sign from right of way; 20 feet required; 8.6 feet proposed. 

Post updated on September 26, 2020 at 5:55 p.m.

Categories
Bright Side Recent News

Chipotle is in the Works at Site of Former Artist House on Black Horse Pike in Bellmawr

A Chipotle is in the works at the site of the former Artist House located at 2 S. Black Horse Pike in Bellmawr, Mayor Chuck Sauter announced at the September 24, 2020 council meeting.

Mayor Sauter said that this is very exciting for the town and noted that if all goes well, the application for the Chipotle will be heard by the Bellmawr Planning Board on October 5, 2020.

This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Categories
Feature Stories Recent News

Board of Psychological Examiners Revokes License of Psychologist for Sexual Misconduct

*Post has been corrected/updated on Sept. 26, 2020 at 12:45 p.m.*

On September 24, 2020, attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Paul Rodriguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs (the “Division”), today announced that the Board of Psychological Examiners (“Board”) has revoked the license of a psychologist after finding that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a patient beginning when she was 17 years old.

According to the Administrative Complaint filed by the Attorney General, Daniel Davenport, who maintained a private practice in Sewell, violated multiple rules and regulations governing the practice of psychology, and misled the Board during an investigative inquiry about both the nature and the length of his relationship with the patient.

In a final decision, the Board revoked the license of 53-year-old Davenport. The Board unanimously voted to uphold an Administrative Law Judge’s Initial Decision on the Complaint, which concluded that the sexual relationship between Davenport and his patient began when the patient was a minor and continued for more than a year.  

“When a licensee uses their influence over a vulnerable client to commit sexual misconduct, that is a violation of trust and professional standards that carries serious consequences in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Grewal. “I commend the Board for holding this psychologist accountable for his actions, and for its commitment to protecting the public by ensuring that predators cannot hide behind a professional license.” 

At oral argument in a virtual disciplinary hearing, the Attorney General’s Office urged the Board to accept the Initial Decision rendered by Administrative Law Judge Susan M. Scarola regarding the conduct of Davenport, noting that he “ceased acting as [a] therapist and had formed an intimate, confidential relationship with [his patient] that evolved from friends to lovers within a matter of months.”

The Board subsequently found that the seriousness of Davenport’s conduct, and the lasting impact it had on his victim, constituted gross negligence and professional misconduct.

Moreover, by omitting details and downplaying what had occurred, the psychologist’s failed attempts to thwart the Board’s duty to protect the public were significant aggravating factors that ultimately demonstrated Davenport lacks the good moral character required for licensure by the Board.

“Davenport displayed a flagrant disregard for the emotional and physical well-being of his teenage client who had courageously sought out therapy,” said Acting Director Paul R. Rodríguez. “We take sexual allegations very seriously, and the resolution of this case should send a clear message to all licensed professionals who may be tempted to violate the public trust and duty they owe to their patients.”

Davenport’s revocation comes as the Division, under the direction of the Attorney General, continues a sweeping review of how its 51 professional boards  — which oversee approximately 720,000 active licensed professionals, from accountants and doctors to plumbers and veterinarians — address allegations involving sexual misconduct and abuse by licensees and applicants for licenses.

The review, which is currently underway, is evaluating how boards screen applicants for licenses, approach investigations of alleged misconduct and discipline, and engage with complainants who report abuses by a licensee or applicant.

The Board ordered Davenport to pay civil penalties totaling $45,000 and awarded the State its full costs in investigating and prosecuting this matter $55,057.

Deputy Attorney General David M. Puteska, the Assistant Section Chief of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section in the Division of Law, represented the State in this matter. The matter was investigated by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

This investigation was conducted by the Enforcement Bureau of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Patients who believe that they have been treated in an inappropriate manner by a licensed health care professional can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 973-504-6200 to request a complaint form.

Categories
Bright Side Feature Stories

NJ SHARES & Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Expand SMART Program, Providing Rent & Mortgage Assistance to Those In Need in Atlantic & Camden Counties

Camden, N.J. – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) and New Jersey SHARES Inc. (NJ SHARES) are expanding their partnership by making their SHARES Mortgage Assistance Rent or Taxes (SMART) Program  available to both Camden County and Atlantic County residents in need.

“The SMART Program is designed to help individuals facing foreclosure or eviction help steer them back on a path of self-sustained living,” explained Cheryl Stowell, CEO of NJ SHARES. “By expanding into Atlantic County, our partnership with VOADV allows us to reach even more of our New Jersey residents in need while helping to restore stability to these households after crisis.”

“Our organization provides direct, immediate services to our society’s most vulnerable populations,” explains Daniel L. Lombardo, President and CEO of VOADV. “We remain committed to providing critical assistance to those facing potential homelessness, guiding them on a path towards stable, independent living. The expansion of the SMART Program allows us to do just that, offering Atlantic and Camden County residents access to this critical resource in uncertain times.”

The SMART Program provides critical funding for rent or mortgage assistance to individuals that are facing eviction or foreclosure. The program is designed to assist low-to-moderate income households in New Jersey with a combined total monthly income between 0-80 percent of the area median income for the region. Eligible households may then receive a one-time grant up to $5,000 to aide with a mortgage or rent payment.

Since May, VOADV and NJ SHARES have been administering the SMART Program with much success to individuals in need living in Camden County. The move to expand the program into Atlantic County is rooted in the desire to reach an even larger number of individuals in need who may require the financial assistance and navigational support this program provides.

With the expansion of the SMART program, individuals must be either an Atlantic County or Camden County resident and must meet the following pre-qualifications in order to be eligible for the program:

  • Have a back-owed rent or mortgage that puts the household in danger of eviction or foreclosure
  • Be experiencing a financial crisis, defined as a period of intense financial difficulty which the household did not create and which the household lacks the current means to overcome
  • Be able to demonstrate loss due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Have a combined total monthly income between 0-80 percent of the area median income for the region
  • Complete and submit an application, as well as all necessary supporting documentation

VOADV’s Navigational Resource Centers will continue to serve as the SMART Program’s referral source in both counties, pre-qualifying households and assisting them with the grant application process. The centers provide outreach, rapid response and homeless navigation services to the communities’ most vulnerable, at-risk individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, and offer a spectrum of services, such as treatment, housing, employment, education and legal services. Locations of these centers in each county are as follows:

  • Atlantic County:
    • VOADV Office – 26 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
  • Camden County: 
    • VOADV Office – 1812 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08105
    • Pine Hill Police Department – 48 W 6th Avenue, Pine Hill, NJ 08021

Individual grant amounts for the SMART Program are determined by NJ SHARES based on each qualifying household’s income and available resources, and is subject to certain limitations. All SMART funds are paid directly to the landlord, court or lien holder once an application for a SMART grant has been approved.

For more information or to apply for the SMART Program, please call (866) 657-4273 or e-mail njsmart@njshares.org.