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U.S. Congressman Chris Smith Representing New Jersey's 4th District

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Home > Special Features

Coronavirus Updates and Resources Information Page

A Message from Rep. Smith:

    Containing the outbreak, finding a cure, and developing a safe and effective vaccine for the coronavirus must continue to be our highest priority—no matter the cost.
We must contain the coronavirus pandemic to protect all people, especially those most vulnerable to the disease such as the elderly and those with 
serious chronic medical conditions.  Many federal, state, and local agencies have deployed critical resources to help us flatten the curve and protect as many people as possible from COVID-19.  Assistance and guidance available is listed below. Additionally, please heed the warnings of public health experts and federal officials including President Trump, Vice President Pence, the NIH, and the CDC, and regularly wash your hands, implement social distancing recommendations, and self-quarantine if you are sick and/or show any symptoms. Thank you.

State of New Jersey Information Hub

As of June 15, 2020 New Jersey Is In Stage 2 – Child Care, Outdoor Dining, & Non-Essential Retail Reopen

Stage Two (New Jersey is currently in Stage Two)
In Stage Two, moderate-risk activities restart. When leaving home, New Jerseyans should wear a face covering and keep a social distance from others. All workers who can work from home should continue to work from home.

  • June 15: Child care centers reopen their doors to all clients.
  • June 15: Outdoor dining reopens.
  • June 15: Non-essential retail stores reopen for indoor shopping.
  • June 15: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies reopen for pick-up and drop-off services.
  • June 15: Libraries reopen for curbside pickup.
  • June 22: Organized sports activities resume.
  • June 22: Personal care businesses, including barber shops and hair salons, reopen.
  • June 22: Swimming pools reopen.
  • June 22: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 250 people (anticipated).
  • June 29: Motor Vehicle Commission agencies begin to offer behind-the-wheel road tests and resume issuing new licenses and permits.
  • July 3: Limit on outdoor gatherings increases to 500 people (anticipated).
  • July 6: Youth day camps and summer programs can operate.
  • July 6: Modified outdoor graduation ceremonies begin.

In Stage Two, additional phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, will include:

  • In-person clinical research/labs
  • Limited fitness/gyms
  • Limited in-person government services
  • Museums/libraries

Stage Three: (NOT YET IMPLEMENTED)
In Stage Three, higher-contact activities will restart with significant safeguarding. New Jerseyans follow all safety guidelines and respect social distancing.

Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, may include:

  • Expanded dining,
  • Critical in-office work,
  • Limited entertainment,
  • Expanded personal care,
  • Bars with limited capacity.

The State of New Jersey no longer remains under Governor Murphy's Stay at Home Order


Click here for more information regarding COVID-19 developments and phased reopening in New Jersey
(updated June 15, 2020)


Learn More About 2019 Novel Coronavirus: 

  • CDC's Information on COVID-19 

  • CDC's "What You Should Know "

  • World Health Organization Information on COVID-19 

  • New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard

    • New Jersey 24 hour hotline 1-800-222-1222.

    • NJ's 2-1-1 system is available to help handle COVID-19 related calls from New Jersey residents.

  • Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Tracker 

  • Resources for Veterans 

Travel Guidance:

  • CDC’s Travel Health Notices

  • State Department’s International Travel Guidance

  • State Department and County Advisories 

School Guidance:

  • Guides for childcare programs and K-12 administrators

  • NJ Department of Education

Specific to New Jersey Resources:

  • NJ Information Hub

  • NJ Department of Health

  • NJ Department of Labor

  • COVID-19 Information fro NJ Businesses (Added May 28, 2020)

  • New Jersey 211  

  • Monmouth County

    • Questions about COVID-19 Monmouth County residents are asked to call NJ Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222

  • Ocean County

    • Ocean County Health Department hotline: 732-341-9700, ext. 7411 -800-222-1222

  • Mercer County

    • Mercer County residents are asked to call the NJ Hotline: 1-800-222-1222



Updates and actions from Rep. Smith on 2019 Novel Coronavirus, including congressional letters, press releases
:

  • Smith Joins Fellow Republicans Sending Letter to Leadership McCarthy Requesting Language in Future COVID Relief Legislation Directing OSHA to Issue Emergency Health Standards to Protect Employees and Customers

    • July 14, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to NIH Requesting Prioritization of Research on COVID-19’s Impact on Children

    • July 9, 2020:

  • Smith: CARES Act emergency funds for PPE for Robbinsville firefighters, first responders

    • July 9, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Funding to Assist International Response to COVID in Future Relief Legislation

    • July 1, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Inclusion of Bill on Limiting Excise Taxes on Craft Beverages in Future COVID Relief Legislation

    • June 17, 2020:

  • Smith welcomes $1.7M-plus CARES Act funds to combat homelessness in Monmouth Co.

    • June 15, 2020

  • Rep. Smith: Passenger restrictions on for-hire fishing boats lifted

    • June 14, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin Regarding Guidance on State and Local Relief Funds in the CARES Act

    •  June 11, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs Requesting an Update on Backlog of Passport Applications

    • June 9, 2020:

  • Paycheck Protection bill moves on to White House

    • June 4, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to Administration Requesting USCIS Consider Remote Naturalization Ceremonies to Address Citizenship Application Backlog

    • June 1, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins NJ Delegation Letter to House Leadership Supporting NJ Transit’s Request for Assistance in Future COVID Relief Legislation

    • May 29, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to HHS and CMS in Support of Medicaid-Supported Providers

    • May 28, 2020 

  • Houses passes Paycheck Protection Program improvements to help small biz & US workers 

    • May 28, 2020 

  • Chris Smith, local fishermen, and for-hire boat captains celebrate reopening of delayed fishing season 

    • May 23, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Delegation Letter to the Administration in Support of Extending Orders for the National Guard

    • May 21, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to Treasury Secretary with Dozens of Members Requesting Delay of Alcohol Excise Taxes

    • May 18, 2020:

  • Smith-Cuellar bill would strengthen response to force WHO reform

    • May 15, 2020: 

  • NJ Delegation Sends Letter to FEMA in Support of NJ’s Request to Extend Community Based Test Sites

    • May 14, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Funding for Maritime Security Program in Future COVID Relief Legislation

    • May 12, 2020:

  • Rep. Smith: CARES Act Funding Critical for New Jersey Fishing Industry

    • May 11, 2020: 

  • Chris Smith holds virtual ‘town hall meeting’ with Alzheimer’s Assn.

    • May 11, 2020: 

  • Reps Smith, Lamborn, and Cuellar Lead Letter to Leadership Requesting Expansion of CARES Act Charitable Giving Tax Deduction

                

    • May 11, 2020: 

  • Smith: Health Centers get $1.4M in Additional CARES Act Emergency Funds to Test Residents 

    • May 8, 2020:

  • Autism Caucus Co-Chairs Smith and Doyle Joined By More Members of Autism Caucus Asking Leadership to Support Policies to Assist Autistic and Disabled Populations During COVID Crisis

    • May 8, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to House Leadership Requesting USDA and NOAA Relief Programs for Fisherman and the Seafood Industry

    • May 7, 2020: 

  • Smith Sends Letter to Secretary Azar and CMS Administrator Verma Requesting More Financial Relief for Hospitals in NJ

    • May 6, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership and Sec. Mnuchin Requesting Relief for the US Postal Service

    • May 5, 2020:

  • Rep. Chris Smith Announces $1.2M-plus CARES Act Funds for Fourth District Housing Authorities 

    • May 5, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Dozens of Members in Sending Letter to Leadership to Requesting Loan Forgiveness for Hospitals 

    • May 5, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Energy Innovation and Carbon Capture Tax Incentives Be Included in COVID Relief Legislation

    • May 4, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Inclusion of Butch Lewis Act in COVID Relief Legislation

    • April 30: 2020:

  • Smith Sends Letter to Federal Reserve and Treasury Requesting Favorable Inclusion of Non-Profits in Main Street Lending Program

    • April 30, 2020:

  • Smith Announces $ 2 Million More for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Grants for Ocean and Monmouth Counties 

    • April 28, 2020:

  • Smith, Ranking Member of the Africa & Global Health Subcommittee, Joins Letter to Leadership and Appropriations Committee Requesting $1 billion in Future COVID Relief Legislation for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria

    • April 27, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Reiterating Continued Need for Federal COVID Testing Resources

    • April 23, 2020:

  • Smith Joins NJ Delegation Letter to US Dept. of Commerce and Office of Management & Budget Requesting Fair Distribution of CARES Assistance for Fisherman

    • April 23, 2020: 

  • Smith: HHS Slates $10 Billion for Hospitals in Areas Hit Hardest by COVID-19

    • April 22, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Sends letter to Governor Murphy Requesting Financial Assistance for Less-Populous Counties

    • April 22. 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to Leadership Requesting Relief for Motorcoach Industry

    • April 22, 2020:

  • Smith Sends Letter to White House Coronavirus Task Force Advocating for Technology Developed By Hackensack Meridian Health

    • April 22, 2020: 

  • Smith Thanks Taiwan for Sending 200,000 More Masks for NJ 1st Responders, Healthcare Workers 

    • April 21, 2020:

  • Smith - Sires Bill Requires Refund Money for Canceled Air Travel during COVID-19 Pandemic

    • April 21, 2020:

  • Smith Signs Letter to House Leadership Requesting NLRB Develop Electronic Voting Procedures for Union Elections

    • April 20, 2020:

  • Smith: Arrests of Hong Kong Freedom Leaders 'Egregious,’ Calls for Trump Administration to Complete Mandated Report on Threats to Liberty

    • April 20, 2020: 

  • Reps. Smith, Doyle Team Up to Advocate for Autism Community in COVID-19 Crisis

    • April 18, 2020: 

  • Smith Bill Would Allow Lawsuits Against China for Its Deliberate Mishandling of COVID-19 

    • April 17, 2020:

  • Smith Joins House Foreign Affairs Committee Members Asking President Trump to Withhold US Contributions to WHO

    • April 16, 2020: 

  • NJ Delegation Asks House Leadership for Additional Funding for Hard-Hit States 

    • April 16, 2020:

  • NJ, DE, and RI Delegations Send Letter to Leadership Requesting Fix for Medicare Wage Index in COVID Relief Legislation

    • April 16, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration in Support of Safety for Transit Workers

    • April 15, 2020: 

  • Autism Caucus Co-Chairs Doyle and Smith Send a Second Letter to Leadership Regarding COVID Relief Legislation 

    • April 15, 2020:

  • Smith, Norcross Co-Lead on Letter Asking Congress Leaders to Improve Paycheck Protection

    • April 14, 2020:

  • Hong Kong Human Rights Group Sends Aid to NJ Hospital

    • April 12, 2020:

  • What Is Impact on Lyme Disease Patients?

    • April 11, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to Gov. Murphy Regarding CDBG Emergency Shelter Grants

    • April 10, 2020 

  • Smith spearheaded bipartisan letter signed by colleagues to FEMA & HHS April 4

    • April 10, 2020:

  • Smith Co-Leads Letter of NJ and NY Members to House Leadership Requesting New Federal Aid Fund Based on Infection Rate

    • April 10, 2020:

  • Smith Leads NJ Delegation Letter to House and Senate Leadership Urging Inclusion of 501c5 and 501c6 Organizations in the Paycheck Protection Program

    • April 10, 2020:

  • Smith Joins NJ Delegation Letter to HHS and CMS Regarding First Tranche of CARES Provider Funds

    • April 10, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Sends Letter to US Department of Education Asking for Prioritization of Higher Ed Funding from the CARES Act 

    • April 9, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Sends Letter to Leadership Requesting Cost of Living Adjustment for Stimulus Checks

    • April 9, 2020

  • NJ Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Regarding FEMA Non-Congregate Sheltering

    • April 9, 2020:

  • Smith Sends Letter to Secretary Mnuchin Regarding Midsize Businesses

    • April 8, 2020:

  • Letter to the Administration Regarding Protecting Dialysis Patients During COVID19

    • April 8, 2020:

  • Bipartisan and Bicameral Letter to WHO regarding Wet Markets

    • April 8, 2020:

  • Smith Joins Letter to FDA Requesting Emergency Review of New Ventilator Developed By U of MN and Private Industry

    • April 7, 2020:

  • Rep. Smith Leads on NJ Delegation Letter to Keep Feds at NJ Coronavirus Test Sites

    • April 6, 2020:

  • Smith Calls Out China’s Human Rights Record, Blasts Appointment of PRC Govt Official to UN Human Rights Body

    • April 5, 2020:

  • Smith Bill Seeks Help for Towns and Relief for Citizens Punished by So-called ‘Duplication of Benefits’ Policy

    • April 5, 2020:

  • Smith Leads NJ Delegation Letter to HHS and FEMA Requesting Federal Government Manage COVID Test Sites Past April 10

    • April 4, 2020: 

  • New Jersey to Receive $1.7B in CARES Act Emergency Funding to Shore Up Mass Transit

    • April 3, 2020:

  • Letter to Leadership Requesting SALT Fix in Phase 4 COVID Relief Legislation

    • April 3, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to the Speaker Requesting SALT Fix in Phase 4 COVID Relief Legislation

    • April 3, 2020:

  • Smith Announces CARES Act Emergency HUD Funds for Fourth District Counties, Towns 

    • April 2, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Bipartisan Letter to FTA and FRA Supporting COVID Protections for Transit and Rail Workers.

    • April 2, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to President Trump Requesting FEMA Increase Cost Share of COVID Test Sites

    • March 31, 2020: 

  • NJ and NY Delegations Send Letter to HHS Sec. Azar Requesting Prioritization of Hospital Grant Funding 

    • March 31, 2020: 

  • Letter to SBA Administrator Requesting Clarification of Guidance Regarding Religious Organizations Eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program

    • March 31, 2020:

  • Smith Works Successfully with Families and State Department to Bring Home 17 Trapped in Peru

    • March 30, 2020:

  • Smith speaks in favor of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

    • March 28, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to FEMA Requesting a 3rd NJ Testing Site in Southern NJ

    • March 27, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness in Support of NJ’s 2nd Request for PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile

    • March 27, 2020: 

  • Smith Joins Letter to FDA Requesting Clarification of Guidance on Alcohol Used for Hand Sanitizer Production

    • March 27, 2020: 

  • Smith Secures 41 Million Medical Gloves Locked in Govt Warehouses; Now Bound for Healthcare Workers Across US 

    • March 26, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to POTUS Supporting the Defense Production Act 

    • March 26, 2020:

  • Members of House & Senate Urge HHS, AG to Protect Disability Community

    • March 25, 2020:

  • Smith Leads Bipartisan Bicameral Letter to HHS and DOJ Requesting Guidance on Rationing of COVID19 Care for the Disabled

    • March 25, 2020:

  • Velazquez, Smith Lead on Travelers Bill to Get Americans Back Home

    • March 25, 2020:

  • Congressman Smith Working to Bring Home Americans Trapped in Peru 

    • March 24, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to the President regarding Major Disaster Declaration 

    • March 24, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to Congressional Leadership regarding Community Disaster Loans 

    • March 23. 2020:

  • Letter to Congressional Leadership regarding relief for Nonprofits 

    •  March 23, 2020:

  • Letter for Relief Funds for Amtrak and other Transit

    • March 22, 2020:

  • Smith to White House: Allow Doctors Flexibility to Give Key Meds Prior to Test Results

    • March 21, 2020:

  • Reps Smith and Doyle Letter on Autism Services in COVID-19 Package

    • March 21, 2020:

  • Smith Letter to Secretary Pompeo Regarding American Citizens in Peru 

    • March 20, 2020:

  • Reps Smith, Curtis, and Chabot Regarding Americans Stranded in Peru 

    • March 20, 2020:

  • Letter to Congressional Leadership Regarding Public Transit Supplemental

    • March 20, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regarding 1135 Waiver

    • March 20, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter Regarding New Jersey Transit Stimulus

    • March 20, 2020:

  • Letter to House Leadership Regarding Qualified Improvement Property

    • March 20, 2020:

  • Smith Letter to Secretary Pompeo Regarding Americans Stranded in Peru

    • March 19, 2020:

  • Smith, NJ Delegation Letter to the SBA regarding Disaster Relief Loans 

    • March 18, 2020:

  • Reps Smith and Cuellar Letter to Treasury Secretary regarding Charitable Giving in COVID-19 Relief Package

    • March 18, 2020:

  • Smith, NJ Delegation Letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding 1135 Waivers 

    •  March 18, 2020:

  • NJ Delegation Letter to President regarding NJ US Army Corps of Engineers Request

    • March 18, 2020:

  • Rep. Smith, County Officials Work to Stop Spread of Coronavirus

    • March 17, 2020:

  • Rep. Chris Smith’s Offices Comply With Social Distancing Recommendations and Restrict Office Walk-in Visits

    • March 16, 2020:

  • Smith, NJ Delegation Send Letter to HHS regarding the Strategic National Stockpile

    • March 16, 2020:

  • Smith working with local public health officials on Coronavirus

    • March 16, 2020:

  • Smith: Stopping coronavirus pandemic and finding a cure, vaccine must be our highest priority—no matter the cost

    • March 14, 2020:

  • Emergency Bill to Meet Coronavirus Threat on Its Way to President’s Desk 

    • March 5, 2020:

  • On the Coronavirus Threat

    • February 26, 2020:

 


Prevention Methods: 

It’s important to know that the best thing you can do to prevent sickness is adhering to basic health protections:  

  • Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds 

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue 

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces  

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick 

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 

  • And most importantly, stay home if you are sick to avoid the spread of illness  

  • Create a Household Plan for COVID-19


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  • Constituent Service Center
    1005 Hooper Avenue
    Toms River, NJ 08753
    Tel.: (732) 504-0567
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  • Washington, D.C. Office
    2373 Rayburn HOB
    Washington, D.C. 20515
    Tel.: (202) 225-3765
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Washington DC Office

2373 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Phone: (202) 225-3765

 
Constituent Service Center

1005 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, NJ  08753

Phone: (732) 504-0567

*Please call for an appointment.


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