The Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Established Coronavirus Test Sites in NJ

Testing sites are now open. Find information about FEMA sites and public sites here. Many other local private testing sites are now open. Contact your healthcare professional to be directed to a location in your community.

Sites are limited to seeing only those who are showing symptoms of the virus currently or have been in close contact with someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19. Take this self-assessment test to see if you have symptoms commonly associated with this virus.

Next Steps After Testing:

• Unless you have been given other instructions at your testing center, access your test results by following these instructions.
• Here's what to do if you test positive for COVID-19
• Here's what to do if you test negative for COVID-19

Current News from State Officials

Daily Briefing from Governor Phil Murphy - April 28, 2020 at 1:00pm
Read or listen to his April 27, 2020 briefing here.

April 27 - Governor Murphy Announces “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health" Read the press release. Download the one-page document illustrating New Jersey's recovery plan.

April 23 - New Jersey’s Five Developmental Centers for Adults with Developmental Disabilities to Implement COVID-19 Saliva-Based Tests from Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Read the press release.

April 22 - Governor Murphy Announces Actions to Require Reporting of COVID-19 Demographic Data Read the press release.

April 21 - Governor Murphy and Commissioner Caride Announce Expansion of Payment Relief for Student Loan Borrowers Read the press release.

April 18 - Governor Murphy, Governor Cuomo, Governor Lamont Announce Alignment of State Policies for Marinas and Boatyards Read the press release.

April 16 Governor Murphy Announces Suspension of Rent Increases at all NJHMFA-Regulated Properties Read the press release.

April 14 - Legislation Signed to Expand Family Leave Protections During COVID-19 Outbreak Read the press release.

Keep up with government actions being implemented to help the public by reading other press releases issued from the Governor's Office.

Call Line Opened to Answer Questions

Live assistance regarding COVID-19 information is available. To speak with a health care professional, call 1-800-962-1253 and for general information and resources for basic needs, dial 211.

Mental Health in times of Crisis

Uncertainty and concern for our own health and livelihood, along with the well-being of those we love and our community at large is a very stressful thing to live with. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, grief or feeling overwhelmed; or you know someone who is suffering in this way, look to our mental health page for resources that can help. We've included many of New Jersey's helplines and hotlines, resources that will help you connect with people who you can talk with about how you are feeling as well as virtual support groups that are being held.

Get News on COVID-19 from Authoritative Sources

In order to obtain the most accurate information on this virus, it is essential that people refer to trusted voices of authority. Please visit the websites of the New Jersey Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and the World Health Organization (WHO) for more information. This is a rapidly changing situation and additional information will be provided as it becomes available. 

This video from the World Health Organization (WHO) answers many common questions about what the virus is, where it is from, and how it spreads.

The CDC is tracking cases of COVID-19 in the US. See the US Cases, Maps and Stats (updated at noon Monday-Friday).

Find your local public health department.

News and Resources for Personal Matters

News from Governor Murphy and his Team - Every day except Sunday Governor Murphy and other leaders host news conferences and publish briefings to keep New Jerseyans aware of what is being done. See Governor Murphy's Official YouTube Channel Keep up with government actions being implemented to help the public by reading other press releases issued from the Governor's Office.

COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment - The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law on March 27, contains provisions that support individuals and small businesses in a number of ways. The distribution of personal economic impact payments have begun and are being distributed automatically, with no action required from most people. 

Tax filers with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are also eligible and will not be required to file a return. 

The CARES Act also expands unemployment benefits and offers help to businesses. Learn more here.

Applying for assistance with basic needs - Our state has an online application and screening tool that can be used for many of the basic services designed to help those struggling to make ends meet. Learn about NJHelps.

The DCAid website will allow you to go through a screening process to see if you are eligible for the NJ housing assistance programs.

Child Care Assistance for Essential Workers - The state has launched an Emergency Child Care Assistance Program (ECCAP) to help support child care costs when a parent or guardian is an essential employee (as defined by Executive Order No. 110), regardless of your income. If you meet the definition of an essential employee and have child care needs, you can find more information and register here. 

Education - All schools will remain closed through at least Friday, May 15. The situation continues to change rapidly, so for the latest updates visit the NJ Department of Education website. The Department of Education has provided resources to help parents and students, specific student populations, educators, and administrators stay prepared, healthy, and safe.

Emergency Relief Fund - United Way of Northern New Jersey created the ALICE Recovery Fund, in partnership with United Way of Hunterdon County to address emerging needs of ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and those in poverty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These households struggled to afford the basics of housing, food, child care, health care, and transportation even before COVID-19 hit. The Fund is open solely to the residents of Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties, as well as Suburban Essex which includes the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona. Details here.

Food - Individuals who receive NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) benefits should have received an extra benefit payment in March. Benefits will be higher in April to help address critical food needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To see if you are eligible for food assistance and to apply for NJ SNAP, go to NJHelps.

Social Security Services - To find out what services are continuing and which ones are being suspended, how to contact your Social Security office, and important information about deadlines that are being extended in an effort to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic visit this page of their site.

Tax Assistance - The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the Coronavirus-19. This page will be updated as new information is available.  The tax filing deadline for federal and state taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.

Employment Safeguards, Unemployment Benefits and Help for Businesses

On March 21, 2020 Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 107 which mandated that everything other than essential businesses be closed and that all but essential workers stay home. The impact that this had on personal and business finances cannot be overstated. Learn what is being done to help NJ residents and business owners.

American Red Cross Thanks You

Thanks to the many individuals who gave blood and scheduled upcoming appointments, the American Red Cross has been able to meet immediate patient needs. This being said, an ongoing need for blood remains amid coronavirus uncertainties. During this difficult time, we encourage individuals to keep scheduled blood donation appointments if possible and to make new blood donation appointments for the weeks and months ahead to ensure a stable supply throughout this pandemic. Thank you to all of the New Jersey blood donors and blood drive hosts who are helping and to all who will be. 

Statewide Short-term Resources

Included in this section, we will post resources as we hear of them that are very temporary in nature. For all other resources, please access our database to search for active resources. You will find a search bar at the top of every page and on our home page. Our resource database has over 10,000 programs and services that help people with basic needs like food, shelter, affordable housing, utility assistance, healthcare and more.

Hotline for Diabetes Emergency Kit - The Diabetes Foundation has opened a hotline for individuals living with all types of diabetes to receive a free Backup Emergency Kits.  Anyone needing an emergency backup kit can apply to receive one by visiting the Diabetes Foundation website or calling 973-849-5234.