November 16, 2020 2:57 PM

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR EO RESIDENTS!

**COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION*

Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Health and Human Services, under the leadership of Dr. Monique Griffith, are ramping up citywide vaccination efforts by offering the Moderna Vaccine at various sites to all eligible East Orange residents and those working in the City of East Orange.

The mobile health clinic will make designated stops in each of the city’s wards beginning on Thursday, May 6. Walk ups are welcome while supplies last. *Full schedule listed below and more dates to come*

Pre-registration is strongly advised, but not mandatory as long as supplies last. Identification will be required and there are no out-of-pocket costs. Residents with a history of severe allergic reactions to medications or vaccines should consult their physician before scheduling an appointment.

The schedule, locations and online registration links are as follows:

Third Ward, Thursday, May 6
Lotus 315, 315 South Harrison Street
https://calendly.com/.../east-orange-covid-19-vaccination...

First and Fifth Wards, Saturday, May 8
New Vision Baptist Church, 100 Warrington Place
https://calendly.com/.../east-orange-first_fifth-ward...

Second Ward, Monday, May 10
East Orange Senior Center, 90 Halsted Street
https://calendly.com/.../east-orange-second-ward-covid-19...

Fourth Ward, Wednesday, May 12
Fellowship Civic Center, 1 Fellowship Circle
https://calendly.com/.../east-orange-fourth-ward-covid-19...

For more information, to schedule an appointment or to volunteer, please call the Department of Health and Human Services at 973.266.5480.

**FREE COVID-19 TESTING** will be held biweekly on Fridays starting January 29 at Rowley Park Field House, 103 North Arlington Avenue, between 9am and 1pm!

The East Orange testing facility is facilitated by Platinum Health Services, Wellness Suite 360, Not Just A Black Body (NJABB), and Accu Reference Medical Lab.

1. Who is eligible for an appointment? All East Orange residents and essential personnel working within the City of East Orange whether or not they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

2. How do I schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing at the drive through site? To schedule an appointment, use the following link: https://17709.portal.athenahealth.com/ The date you select will be for a testing appointment. Medical history will be requested as part of the telemedicine screening.

3. How do I obtain a referral or prescription for COVID-19 on-site testing? This is not needed, as one will be generated after your scheduled telemedicine appointment.

4. What do I need to do to prepare for my COVID-19 test? On the day of your appointment, bring a) yourself, b) a valid photo ID, c) proof of residence or status as an essential personnel and d) proof of insurance. For general testing-related inquiries, contact the Department of Health and Human Services (973-266-5480) for assistance.

5. How is the COVID-19 testing administered? The swab test for COVID-19 used by Accu Reference Lab is a test to determine whether or not you have the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A limited number of antibody (serology) tests are available at the site daily. If antibody testing is desired, state this during your telemedicine screening.

6. Is the COVID-19 test that is available on-site free? No. It is paid for by insurance. For the insured: All screening and collection fees will be billed to your insurance. Deductibles, co-insurance and copays do not apply. For the uninsured: We want to ensure that you are able to access COVID-19 testing, if desired. If you are uninsured, please contact the East Orange Department of Health and Human Services (973-266-5480) for assistance and guidance.

7. What do I do on the day of testing? On the day you are scheduled to be tested, visit the testing location. Be sure to wear a face covering, bring your documents, and maintain social distance.

8. How will I get my COVID-19 test results? The urgent care facility will contact you directly to notify you of your results in approximately 5-6 business days.

9. What do I do while I wait for my COVID-19 test results?
While you await your results, follow the existing CDC guidelines related to the precautions to be taken while in the community. This includes but is not limited to staying home if you are able, wearing face coverings, maintaining an appropriate distance from others when in public, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water. If you must leave home due to an emergency, please be sure to wear a face covering at all times.

**REOPENING VITAL STATISTICS**

The Vital Statistics Division will begin scheduling applicants for Marriage/Civil Union license applications starting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. All customers wishing to receive certificates of birth, marriage/civil union or death certificates (if it occurred in East Orange) will be serviced by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 9:00 am until 3:30 pm. For more information, please call (973) 266-5450.

**COVID-19 RENTAL ASSISTANCE**

The City of East Orange, through the Department of Policy, Planning and Development and the Civic Cares Community Foundation, has launched a COVID-19 Rental Assistance Grant Program to award East Orange residents who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and are not already receiving a rental assistance or subsidy. Applications will be open and available on Monday, August 24, 2020 starting at 11am. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis and will remain open until funding has been expended. This program is being administered in conjunction with partners Isaiah House, the East Orange Community Development Center and NJ Shares. Eligible households, which may not make more than 80% of the city’s median income, will receive assistance of up to $3,500 or payment for up to three months’ rent in a one-time, lump-sum payment made directly to property owners or management companies that agree to not evict the tenant/household.

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES BELOW TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY AND TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION. Applications submitted to multiple agencies will not be considered for award. Applications must be downloaded, completed and then submitted with all required documentation to be considered for review.

Isaiah House
Phone: (973) 678-5882 ext. 3020
Email: rentalassistance@isaiahhouse.org

East Orange Community Development Center
Phone: (973) 266-5347
E-Mail: eastorangecdc@aol.com

NJ Shares
Phone: (866) 330-5950, option 7
E-Mail: eastorange@njshares.org

East Orange Pandemic Rental Assistance Income Guidelines
The applicable income limits for determining program eligibility are published by the Housing Finance Corporation and are updated annually. The applicant’s gross monthly household income (for the purpose of determining program eligibility) shall be calculated according to the HUD regulations identified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 24 CFR, Part 5. Income includes gross wages, retirement, social security, disability, unemployment and any other resources or benefits received by household members age 18 and older.

These guidelines are below:

Number in Household
(1) $54,950
(2) $62,800
(3) $70,650
(4) $78,500
(5) $84,800
(6) $91,100

The following documents are required and must be submitted for an application to be considered complete and eligible for review.

Personal ID for the Applicant: Any unexpired government issued ID, valid student ID, Social valid driver’s license, valid passport, etc. The ID must belong to the person whose name and signature is on the application. If the address on the driver’s license does not match the residential address listed, additional proof of residence is required. For example: utility/phone bill, credit card statement, paystub, bank statement, and 1040 tax statement.

ID’s for all Household Members: Any unexpired government issued ID valid student ID, valid driver’s license, valid passport.

Documents to Verify Income: The East Orange Pandemic Rental Assistance Program requires proof of the last four consecutive weeks of income from the date of the application for all contributing household members. This includes paystubs, current unemployment determination letter along with proof of receipt of the past 30 days of unemployment benefit, Social Security statement or award letter for the current year, rental income, pension statement, alimony, child support, current bank statements showing identified direct deposits with name and address. If there are weeks entered with zero income, an explanation is required. Zero Income Affirmation is to be completed, signed, and dated by the applicant when there are adult household members without income. Please note that applications submitted without proof of income for the four consecutive weeks prior to application will be rejected.

- Unemployment: Current unemployment determination letter along with proof of receipt of last 30 days of unemployment benefit.
- If paystubs cannot be produced: A letter signed and dated by the applicant’s employer verifying paid in cash and the total gross monthly income must be submitted. All employment letters will be verified.
- Rental Income: If the client is a landlord, the current lease and a recent rental receipt within 30 days of application date.
- Social Security Income: Award letter for the current year.
- Pension Income: Copy of most recent check or letter verifying lifetime receipt of benefits.
- Alimony and /or Child Support: Proof of Alimony and/or Child Support and payment frequency must be supplied.

Applicants and/or Members of the Household with No Income: Must sign a “Zero Income Affirmation” Form.

Proof of Residence/Ownership: Copy of lease or rental agreement.

Copy of Notice of Eviction and Notice of Intention to Evict: If any of these have been issued, please provide a copy with your application.

Information Release Form: Signed and dated tenant information release form to be provided to the applicant’s landlord.

East Orange Pandemic Rental Assistance Program Consent Form (if applicable): Signed and dated consent form acknowledging the East Orange Pandemic Rental Assistance Program application submission and program parameters.

Completed Signed and Dated Application: The applicant’s signature and date must be on the application.

Agreement Not to Evict: Agreement signed by landlord agreeing to accept payment in arrears and not to evict tenant providing said arrears are paid by the East Orange Pandemic Rental Assistance Program.

**Once the agency receives your email or phone message they will send you an electronic version of the application and send your landlord documents to verify your arrears and the landlord’s ownership. Payment of arrears will be made to the landlord.**

ABOUT THE (NOVEL) CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Here are some key websites with critical information for New Jersey residents:
www.covid19.nj.gov
www.booker.senate.gov/coronavirus
www.cdc.gov

To check daily case updates in East Orange, please visit www.essexcountynj.org

Please follow the City of East Orange's Facebook page@EOCityHall for information on resources, case updates, town hall meetings, relief programs and more.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The City of East Orange is operating Grab N' Go Food Distribution Sites at the East Orange Senior Center and the Fellowship Civic Center. To find out more information, please call the Division of Senior Services at 973.266.8832 or the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at 973.414.4141.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Symptoms of this infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
• Fever
• Cough and shortness of breath, and
• In severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs).

However, it’s possible for people with COVID-19 to spread the virus to others up to 48 hours before they have symptoms. Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.

You can also call 2-1-1 to learn more about:
• COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and treatment
• Information about testing
• Guidance for people planning or returning from travel

ABOUT CORONAVIRUSES
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses; some cause illness in people and some occur in animals, including camels, civet cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then may spread between people. Human coronaviruses cause routine seasonal respiratory virus infections. Other coronaviruses, like SARS and MERS, can cause serious illnesses.

HOW DO CORONAVIRUSES SPREAD?
Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person.

KNOW HOW IT SPREADS
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

EVERYONE SHOULD:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities..
• You do not have to use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH CRITICAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS
• If possible, do not leave your home.
• Avoid close contact with others.

CITY SERVICES
Effective March 17, 2020, Mayor Ted R. Green closed East Orange City Hall, all municipal buildings and parks to the public. All programs and special events were indefinitely suspended. Municipal services are still operating, but with limited staff and provisions for making payments and other necessary paperwork. Please visit www.eastorange-nj.gov or call the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services at 973.266.5151 to learn how you can handle your business remotely.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL NEEDS?
On March 21, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 107 which mandates that everyone stay at home unless conducting an essential need, which include purposes such as working as an essential employee, grocery shopping, going to medical appointments and exercising outdoors. Personal recreation is allowed if you are not in a group.

WEAR A FACE COVERING
Data suggests that many who are infected with COVID-19 are not symptomatic. For that reason, the East Orange Department of Health and Human Services STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that all members of the public wear cloth face coverings when doing essential activities, like grocery shopping or going to an essential job. It is especially important for essential workers, like grocery or pharmacy clerks, to wear face coverings as they are coming into contact with many people throughout the day. It is not required to wear a face covering while doing personal recreation outdoors, however, you must maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people and avoid gathering in groups.

Covers do not need to be surgical masks or N95 masks, which are in short supply and should be reserved for those who need them the most and have the highest risk of infection, like our health care workers and first responders.

Face covers can be made at home using cloth materials, like a T-shirt or bandana, and without having to sew. Please visit YouTube for demonstrations on how to make a cloth mask.

GUIDANCE FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
• Do not allow employees or patrons to come into close contact (within six feet) of each other in your facility.
• Limit gathering opportunities by marking spaces for people to sit or stand that are farther than six feet away from each other.
• Enact telework or remote work policies whenever possible to limit the number of people in one space.
• Ensure handwashing areas are available to employees and patrons and encourage frequent handwashing.
• Routinely use a disinfectant wipe or spray on high-touch surfaces in workspaces and public areas.