NJ COVID-19 Updates and More

Starting next Tuesday, July 12th, law enforcement officers, judges, prosecutors, and other persons covered by Daniel's Law may apply online to have their residential addresses redacted from certain public records. Daniel's Law was enacted in response to the tragic death of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas and Mark Anderl.

To use the Daniel's Law website, you will first need to create a free myNewJersey account.

New Jersey has an annual source of money that's dedicated to addressing climate change. State agencies want to know how you think New Jersey should invest this public money in projects that reduce emissions, provide clean energy, and increase equity across the state.

To learn more about this effort visit the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Voting is open through Monday, July 11th, 2022.

Beating the summer heat often means more time in pools, lakes, rivers, streams, and the ocean, but cooling down in the water involves some risk. We remind residents to practice water safety to avoid drowning. Learn more about basic water safety tips to ensure a safe summer.

Help ensure the public's safety while pursuing any of more than 120 diverse career paths with the New Jersey State Police. All eligible residents are encouraged to apply online. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, August 2nd, 2022. 

Learn about the minimum requirements for applicants at www.NJTrooper.com.

Pregnancy coverage can typically start 4 weeks before your due date. A new, free online tool can help you and your family plan and prepare for the start of your maternity leave.

Low-income residents can get vouchers for safe and sanitary housing through the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). The SRAP waiting list opens on Monday, July 11th for pre-applications. Pre-applications enter a lottery for the statewide SRAP program in the Elderly, Family, Disabled, and Homeless categories.

Elderly applicants must serve as head of household and be 62 years of age or older. For the Family category, the head of household must be 18 years of age (or an emancipated minor). To qualify in the Disabled category, the head of household or spouse must be permanently disabled. Applicants in the Homeless category must lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

All pre-applications submitted online during the open enrollment period from Monday, July 11th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. until Friday, July 22nd 2022 at 5:00 p.m. will be entered into the lottery. Those selected in the lottery will join the wait list and will be eligible to receive SRAP vouchers as they become available.

The Federal Communications Commission recently approved a new 3-digit dialing code, 988, for mental health crisis and suicide prevention.

The 988 line will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for calls, texts, and chat beginning on July 16th, 2022.

New Jersey has launched a free, confidential, online tool to connect residents with appropriate addiction treatment care and deliver user-friendly information about the quality of available programs.

ATLAS®, or Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform, allows individuals with substance use disorder and their loved ones to search for and compare participating programs using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.

New Jersey residents enrolled in the state's Medicinal Cannabis Program will no longer pay state sales tax on cannabis products purchased at permitted medicinal dispensaries.

Entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas is free of charge this summer. Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of residency. Anyone who already purchased a 2022 annual State Park Pass will automatically receive a full refund.

Other individual park fees (such as camping, interpretive programs, and mobile sport fishing permits) remain in place.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is now available for everyone 6 months and older. The FDA and CDC have authorized the use of smaller, pediatric doses of both Pfizer (under age 5) and Moderna (under age 6) in children at least 6 months of age.

Residents impacted by Hurricane Ida in September 2021 are invited to complete a survey about what they need to recover from Ida and better protect their homes and communities from future storms.

There is no deadline to complete the survey, but completing the survey is required for residents who want to apply for future Ida-related recovery and mitigation programs.

It's especially important to get tested if you are feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

To get tested:

• Find testing sites near you, including their hours and testing requirements.
• Order a free at-home saliva test, shipped to your home at no cost.
• Order free rapid antigen tests, shipped to your home at no cost.

The Business.NJ.gov Update shares timely information on regulations, financing, and services likely to affect your business. Whether you own a small business, work at one, or like to stay in-the-know, you won't want to miss this weekly email.