NJEDA launches Phase 2 of PPE Access Program
TRENTON -- Beginning today, New Jersey-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 or fewer employees may apply to receive 25 percent discounts on purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) from vendors approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
The discounts are available under Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program, which the NJDEA launched this morning. Small businesses and organizations interested in receiving 25 percent discounts must apply at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.
Once the NJEDA has confirmed their eligibility, they will receive vouchers for purchases from a "designated vendor" of their choice. This discount will automatically reduce the costs of online purchases the participating small business or organization makes from that designated vendor by 25 percent. The discounts will expire after 14 days or on Nov. 30.
During Phase 1 of the program, the NJEDA identified and vetted “designated vendors,” including Boxed, Office Depot, and Staples, which have partnered with the Authority to create “microsites” where New Jersey-based businesses can purchase a curated selection of PPE products at a 10 percent discount. The NJEDA also collaborated with the New Jersey Department of Health to create an online PPE Planning Tool that helps businesses understand PPE product requirements and estimate their organizational PPE needs. Links to the designated vendor microsites and the PPE Planning Tool are available at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.
The second phase of the PPE Access Program makes $20.4 million available to subsidize small and micro businesses’ PPE purchases from Staples and Office Depot. During this phase, businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) can receive grants equal to 25 percent of the cost of purchases made through these designated vendors. All eligible businesses can receive up to $400 in discounts, and businesses operating in one of New Jersey’s 715 census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones can receive up to $500. These grants are applied in addition to the 10 percent discount offered to all businesses, meaning small businesses can save up to a third of the cost of their PPE purchases.
In addition to the PPE Access Program, the NJEDA administers a variety of grant, low-cost financing, and technical assistance programs for small and mid-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19. Comprehensive information about these programs and other state support for businesses impacted by the pandemic is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
CURRENT STATUS
The New Jersey Department of Health on Nov. 10 announced 3,877 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total of positive cases in the state to 260,430; and 21 additional confirmed COVID-19 deaths, bringing the cumulative total to 14,661 confirmed deaths and 1,800 probable deaths. Mercer County's 184 new positive cases bring its cumulative total to 10,228, with 607 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 36 probable deaths. To view Mercer County data by municipality, please visit the Mercer County COVID-19 Dashboard at https://arcg.is/1y1eHO. Please note that municipal data lags behind the state data and will update as information becomes available. Visit the New Jersey Department of Health's COVID-19 Dashboard for more statewide information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Nov. 9 announced 105,142 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total of positive cases in the United States to 9,913,553; and 490 additional deaths, bringing the cumulative total to 237,037 with 55 locations (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, North Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands) reporting.
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HAVE GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19?
The NJ Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the State to provide information to the public on COVID-19:
Call: (general COVID-19 questions) 2-1-1 (24/7)
Call: (medical COVID-19 questions) 1-800-962-1253 (24/7)
Text: NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive alerts
Visit https://covid19.nj.gov/ or nj.gov/health for additional information
PREVENTION AND SYMPTOMS
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can spread the virus to others.
To ensure the lowest chance of obtaining the virus, and spreading the virus to others:
• Wear a face mask in public settings, especially when you can’t stay at least 6 feet away from others. Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your 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 percent alcohol.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
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Symptoms can appear between 2-14 days after exposure, though some people may not have any symptoms while still being contagious. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms can include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you believe you've been infected and you are not in immediate danger, you should contact your doctor by phone. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911, and notify the dispatch personnel that you may have COVID-19. COVID-19 Symptom Checker
JOBS AND HIRING
Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19? The State of New Jersey has created a resource page to help you connect to benefits and resources you need while you are trying to safely get back to work, as well as some tips for coping with the stress of losing a job: covid19.nj.gov/work. In addition, Mercer County’s One-Stop Career Center has posted a list of employment opportunities.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
For information on COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus and its impact on businesses – including resources, assistance and regulations -- visit the State of New Jersey business portal and the Mercer County Office of Economic Development’s COVID-19 Business Resources page.
COPING WITH STRESS
If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed due to COVID-19, please call New Jersey's MentalHealthCares Helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357) or visit njmentalhealthcares.org for emotional support, guidance, and mental health referrals as needed. You also may call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517). Listing of additional resources.
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