New Laws on Flavored Vaping Products Went in Effect

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey became the first state to permanently ban the sale and distribution of flavored vaping products amid a national health crisis that has killed 60 people.

The law (S3265) became effective on April 20 after Governor Phil Murphy established a task force on vaping last fall. The flavors, some say, get kids hooked on nicotine. But vape shop owners say their customers predominately buy those flavored products, and that they will go bankrupt.

The bill introduced on December 6, 2018 (S3265) was sponsored by Senators Richard Codey, Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale state “No person, either directly or indirectly by an agent or employee, or by a vending machine owned by the person or located in the person’s establishment, shall sell, offer for sale, distribute for commercial purpose at no cost or minimal cost or with coupons or rebate offers, give or furnish, to a person any electronic smoking device or any cartridge or other component of the device or other related product, including liquid nicotine, that has a characterizing flavor.” (Click here to view a copy of the bill).

Murphy also signed a law (S1647) that bans the use of coupons and rebates for vaping products, but he vetoed another (S4223) that would have increased penalties for shop owners caught selling products to people under 21. The governor did not sign the bill because it would have required an overhaul of the vapor shop licensing system and complicate taxes on products. (Click here to view Bill S1647 or click here to view Bill S4223).

These laws took effect on April 20.

Parsippany Chamber to hold “Zoom” Meeting with Surrogate Heather Darling

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Esq., will be a guest speaker on a Zoom meeting to be held on Friday, April 24 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Darling will be speaking regarding the importance of having a will to plan for the future

Her presentation will include:
1. The role of the Surrogate
2. The importance of planning for the future of your business by having a will to keep your entity’s leadership and future stable
3. Protecting your loved ones
4. What do you want to happen to your assets
5. Advance directives
6. Avoiding probate
7. Benefits to business succession planning, drafting operating agreements that address the transfer of interests and the use of trusts
8. A Q & A session

This zoom meeting is free and open to all Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Members as well as the general public. Registration is required by clicking here.

For additional information contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at (973) 402-6400.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents and volunteers that provides education, information and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area.

 

 

 

Parsippany Community Update April 20, 2020

PARSIPPANY — For those interested in keeping up with the numbers, the Morris County website is the most up-to-date source of information. You can find daily updates at health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus.

70 Additional Parsippany Residents Tested Positive for COVID-19 since Friday

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 70 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Friday, April 17. As of Friday there were a total of 25 deaths.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 485 individuals. (This data is as of 4:28 p.m., Monday, April 20).

Morris County has risen to 4175 an increase of 432 cases since last reported on Friday, April 17. A total of 269 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey a total of 88,806 with a total of 4,377 deaths.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.

For a complete breakdown of Morris County total presumptively tested positive cases, click here.

Rainbow Lakes and Fox Hill Neighbors to Collect Food for Parsippany Food Pantry

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes and Fox Hill Neighbors United to hold a food collection drive for Parsippany Food Pantry on Wednesday, April 22, at Rainbow Lakes Club House Parking Lot, 20 Rainbow Trail.

Many people in Parsippany need our help. Due to the coronavirus many local people are out of work, have had their hours cut and thus are having difficulty putting food on their families’ table. Members of the RLCC and Fox Hills Neighbor’s United spoke with Mayor Soriano and he told us about the Parsippany Food Pantry.

They contacted Stacey Reeber who is working at the Parsippany Food Pantry and confirmed the need for donations.

Troy Rhodes of the Hub Lakes Church has volunteered his truck to help transport donated items to the pantry on Wednesday afternoon, April 22, from 12:00 Noon to 2:45 p.m. from the collection site at the Rainbow Lakes Club House Parking Lot, 20 Rainbow Trail.

Thank you Charlie Damian for allowing the use of the Club House Parking Lot.  The need is for canned goods, cereals, pasta, beans, tuna fish, peanut butter which is important at this time.

Just walk up or drive by and place the items in the truck or our van in a plastic bag. Please do not donate outdated or dented goods and keep your distance and wear a mask.  Thank you for your assistance and our goal is to fill our van and the pickup from the Rainbow Lakes and Fox Hill Community. If you’re in need of assistance please let us know directly.

If you would like to make a monetary donation please make checks payable to Parsippany Food Pantry.

The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 263-7163. Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Lake Hiawatha School Misses You

PARSIPPANY — A message from the Lake Hiawatha School staff to our students and community! A huge thank you to Ms. Iellimo for producing the video!!

Premier of “Mallory” the Movie is Available to View for Limited Time

MORRIS COUNTY — Recently, the public had the opportunity to view the movie, Mallory, which is the story of Mallory Grossman, 12, a student from Rockaway Township, who fell victim to suicide after being bullied for nine months.

The film that launched Friday evening is the story of Mallory’s parents and their journey post the devastating tragedy. There are interviews and home movie clips included throughout the film. The film has a rental fee of $22.00, which covers the cost of licensing and logistics. The movie will be available for viewing for nine days.

Mallory Rose Grossman was an all-American 12-year-old girl who loved gymnastics, cheerleading, and all things outdoors. Her love for her friends, family, and helping others was beyond measure and she showed her charitable spirit every day. Sadly, on June 14, 2017, Mallory took her own life after months of relentless bullying at school and online.

Mallory’s school failed to stop the bullying and would remove her from class to distance her from the abuse, only isolating her further. In one instance the Vice Principal and guidance counselor made her “hug it out” with the aggressors. Frustrated by the lack of change, the family discussed changing schools but since there were only a few weeks left in the school year they decided that Mallory would simply finish out at her current school and begin the next year anew. A decision that changed their family forever.

On the last day of Mallory’s life, the family attended a 3-hour meeting where the principal dismissed the acts of cruelty and used the analogy that this was merely a game, handed her a poker chip, and asked if she “was all-in”. Mallory and her parents returned home, vowed everything would be okay, and promised she did not have to return to school. Mallory was not even able to bring herself to make it through another day in this life. Her parents returned home from work to find that Mallory had taken her own way out.

Follow the story of the Grossman’s and their journey from losing Mallory through their subsequent fight to combat bullying, hold people accountable for their actions, and change the very way we see our fellow human beings.

County College of Morris: Informational Webinar

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris and College Steps partnership is designed to enhance the college experience for area students living with disabilities, including those living with Autism, Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities through structured post-secondary support. The initiative directly aligns with the institution’s commitment to fostering educational access, opportunity, and equity. This webinar will be held on Monday, April 20 from  12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

College Steps will be hosting an informational Webinar to discuss the supports provided to young adults living with social, communication, or learning challenges via a unique individualized and peer-based model. Serving both high school transition students interested in a college experience prior to graduation, as well as students already enrolled in college.

College Steps primary goal is to prepare students for meaningful careers and autonomy after graduation from college, placing a strong emphasis on self-advocacy, social competencies, employment, and independent living skills. Students work with trained peer mentors who are supported by an on-site Program Coordinator.

Click here to register.

Pennacchio: Don’t Follow New York’s Latest COVID Policies

MORRIS COUNTY — With dueling daily press conferences, state governors in the region seem to be in competition for the top sound bites of the news cycle, and Senator Joe Pennacchio worries about its effect on public health policy during the coronavirus crisis.

Recently, New York’s Governor Cuomo declared he was “prepared to have New York used as a ‘laboratory’ for testing any possible vaccines.”

“Cuomo has become a media darling with salacious remarks that raise eyebrows and earn national press,” said Senator Pennacchio (R-26). “Offering up his residents as medical guinea pigs raises eyebrows, but does nothing for the immediate health concerns of those who are suffering in New York City and elsewhere. Solid leadership in times of crisis requires sensible, decisive and actionable solutions.”

The Senator noted that Cuomo, in New York, like New Jersey, refuses to approve the early treatment of COVID-19 with off-label use of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and zinc, a regimen that has been effective across the globe.

“Scientists tell us a coronavirus vaccine isn’t likely for another 12 to 18 months,” Senator Pennacchio said. “It makes no sense to open a state as a test tube, yet force sick people to wait for safe, effective medication until the virus has consumed them and landed them in the hospital. Hopefully, New Jersey will not follow Cuomo’s lead.

“These governors are not doctors. Unshackle our doctors. Let them use the tools they have to fight this pandemic. Disallowing an early treatment with hydroxychloroquine while promoting a non-existent vaccine once again shows how very little sense this public health policy has,” concluded Senator Pennacchio.

30 Days After Health Clubs Were Closed, Consumers May Now Be Eligible for Refunds or Credits

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced that consumers may be eligible for partial refunds or credits from their health club memberships, now that gyms across the state have been closed for 30 days under Executive Orders issued by Governor Phil Murphy to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Under New Jersey law, if your health club facility is closed for more than 30 days, you generally are entitled either to extend your contract with the health club facility for a period equal to the length of the closure or to receive a prorated refund of the amount you paid.

The law on refunds/credits for health clubs that are closed for more than 30 days does not apply to single-sport or single-focus establishments like basic aerobic or dance centers, yoga or spin studios, or children’s gyms that offer only scheduled/hourly classes; martial arts, gymnastic, or dance schools; or swim clubs, tennis clubs, or racquetball clubs. It applies only to establishments that allow patrons to use the establishment whenever it is open or during specific time periods (like all weekends, weekdays, mornings, etc.).

For more information related to business closures, we encourage consumers to review the Division’s guidance on refunds related to COVID-19. The document answers the most frequently asked questions from residents wondering about their entitlement to refunds for services they did not receive as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and/or measures taken to stop the spread of the virus. (Click here to download document)

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by clicking here or call (800) 242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.

Gannon Reemphasizes Services of Hope One As Fatal Overdoses Rise

MORRIS COUNTY — Suspected fatal overdoses in Morris County are up by 38 percent over the same 14-week time frame in 2019, prompting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One team to re-emphasize its network of support services during the COVID-19 healthcare crisis.

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon

“Help from the Hope One team is here, just a phone call away. We don’t accept that anyone agonizing over a heroin addiction or substance use disorder be alone without resources and support, especially at this very difficult time,” Sheriff Gannon said.“Morris County, right now, is following a statewide trend of increased fatal opioid-related overdoses. It’s possible that individuals struggling with addiction feel increased stress during this pandemic or, because of social distancing, lack direct contact with supportive friends and family who normally would check on their welfare,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

So far in 2020, 26 individuals in Morris County have suffered suspected lethal overdoses, including one Thursday night. In the first 14 weeks of 2019, by comparison, there were 16 suspected fatal overdoses.

Following the same upswing, in New Jersey there have been 789 suspected fatal overdoses between January 1 and March 31, 2020.   In the same time frame last year, there were 657 suspected overdose deaths.

Hope One, which has made more than 10,400 contacts with individuals since its launch, is a partnership with the Rockaway-based Prevention Is Key (PIK) and its sister agency, the Center for Addiction Recovery, Education & Success (CARES); Daytop-NJ, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and the Morris County Department of Human Services. Hope One is Sheriff Gannon’s award-winning mobile substance abuse and mental health outreach program launched on April 3, 2017 to stem the crisis of opioid addiction and overdoses.

If you or someone you care about needs help, contact the following services:

  • CENTER FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY, EDUCATION & SUCCESS (CARES): 24-hour support line at (973) 625-1143. CARES also will deliver Narcan, upon request, in a safe, non-contact way.
  • HOPE ONE: (973) 590-0300. For Narcan training via Zoom, please contact Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano at erice@co.morris.nj.us or at (973) 590-0300.
  • MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF ESSEX AND MORRIS:
    Peer support line from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: (877) 760-4987; (866) 445-3902; (800) 381-2059. The Mental Health Association has added a daytime number for peer support, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call: 877-760-4987.

The upward trend has led to Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano, the Hope One coordinator, urging the 14 municipal police departments in Morris County that are trained in the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) to refer known individuals struggling with addiction to Hope One.

“Hope One-PAARI would like to make an aggressive approach to assist people before they overdose,” Corporal Valvano said.

PAARI-participating police departments welcome individuals who voluntarily enter headquarters to request help for a substance use disorder.  Trained Officers screen the individuals and then contact Daytop-NJ, who connects the individual with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who assists them in accessing detox, rehab and recovery services. The Morris County Sheriff’s Trends and Analysis Team (MCSTAT) examined the overdose data and determined that most of the individuals who recently died had overdosed in the past.

PAARI-trained law enforcement agencies in Morris County include the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Lakes, Butler, Chatham Township, Chester, Dover, Jefferson, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mount Arlington, Mount Olive, Rockaway Borough, and Washington Township Police Departments.

Corporal Valvano also is brainstorming with Hope One’s community partners to determine ways of following-up with clients who already have come in contact with service providers.

Despite a temporary halt to the Hope One vehicle making its customary twice-weekly stops in the community due to the coronavirus, its team has aggressively made its telephonic availability and support known.  Upon request, a team member also will deliver free Narcan and advise how it is administered to reverse an opioid-induced overdose.

Focus Supports Local Business, Streamlines Information from Struggling Businesses

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus has added a new feature called “What’s Open.”
A free, streamlined listing that allows businesses to post updates directly to our readers.

Businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. For restaurants, those that remain open are only offering takeout and delivery. Scores of restaurant staff members have been laid off and many owners are having difficulty making their bottom line. This program is intended to boost business for the suffering industry.

The homepage of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus has a message board that conveys updated specials, hours and announcements from restaurants.

Users can search by city, business type or town. Restaurants can add store hours and takeout and delivery options are listed for each restaurant.

Listings are free to any business, although there are some upgrades available.

To list your business click here.

State Crackdown On Price Gouging Targets Hundreds of Violators

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has issued approximately 514 cease-and-desist letters and 89 subpoenas to businesses reported by consumers to have engaged in price gouging or other consumer protection violations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cases include investigations of brick-and-mortar retailers in New Jersey, companies from other states that are accused of increasing prices for New Jersey consumers, and sellers located in New Jersey who has been accused of raising their prices on online marketplaces.

In addition, about 40 merchants based in New Jersey are under investigation by the Division for engaging in price gouging or other consumer protection violations related to COVID-19 through their use of online marketplaces like Amazon, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

To date, the Division has logged a total of 2,978 complaints related to the COVID-19 emergency against about 1,800 business locations.

Morris County consumers who believe price gouging is occurring are encouraged to file complaints online to report specific details investigators can follow up on. Photographs of items being sold, receipts and pricing can now be uploaded to our new price gouging complaint form.

Approximately 90 percent of the complaints involve price increase on items including surgical masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, food, bottled water, and other items in demand by consumers concerned about protecting their health and maintaining enough supplies for their homes.

“When people are concerned about keeping their families healthy and paying their bills, they shouldn’t have to worry about becoming the victim of unscrupulous market practices,” said New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

Paul Rodríguez, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said his agency is reviewing thousands of potential violations. He asked consumers to take advantage of our new online complaint form which allows them to submit photo evidence when they report suspected violations.

New Jersey’s price-gouging law took effect on March 9, when Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The law prohibits excessive price increases during a declared state of emergency and for 30 days after its termination. A price increase is considered excessive if the new price is more than 10 percent higher than the price charged during the normal course of business prior to the state of emergency.

Price-gouging violations are punishable by civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for the second and subsequent violations.

Parsippany Held Third Mobile Food Drop

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano assisted at Parsippany’s third Mobile Food Drop. The event was moved from the PAL parking lot to Liquid Church in order to accommodate the increased need from residents to get them the nutrition assistance quickly and efficiently.

In partnership with Table of Hope and Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills residents received fresh groceries including bread, Tyson Chickens, dairy, canned goods and produce.

If you or anybody you know is concerned with food security during this time, call the know Mayor’s Action Center at (973) 263-4262.

As a reminder, Parsippany has a food bank open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, where you can also receive food essentials. For more information, call (973) 263-7160.

Table of Hope is a place “Where Hope Starts, and the Community Gathers to Share.”. TOH serves meals 5:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday at no cost to Morris County residents. Dinners are also delivered to the sick and shut-in at local senior centers and a clothing closet, food pantry, blood pressure screenings, resource information and other services for specific needs are made available to guests.

With the Community Food Bank of New Jersey as their primary food supplier, the Table of Hope serves more than 300 meals per week. Other providers of food and produce include ACME, Trader Joe’s, Grow it Green, and local farmers. Their constituency includes homeless individuals, single-family households, and senior residents.

If you want to get involved by donating food, money, or your time to volunteer for this program, please contact the Springstreet CDC at (973) 998-9330, or email info@springstreetcdc.org.

Prosecutor’s Office Warns of Scams Involving Stimulus Checks

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp reminds residents that criminals continue to operate even during these unprecedented times. The recent national attention on the Economic Impact Payments, or COVID-19 relief stimulus checks, is one such opportunity for scammers.

The United States Postal Inspection Service advises that scammers are calling and/or emailing individuals claiming to be from the Treasury Department, and offering expedited stimulus payments or assistance with obtaining a stimulus payment. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, citizens do not need to pay taxes or processing fees in order to obtain the relief stimulus payment.

Prosecutor Knapp advises if you receive a call asking for personal information or for fees to obtain a stimulus check, do not give the caller any personal information or do not send money. Just hang up.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service offers the following tips for protecting yourself and others against incoming mail theft:

  • Promptly pick up mail, or arrange for prompt pickup
  • Inquire about overdue mail
  • File a change of address if you move

On March 30, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced the creation of a Federal-State COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to investigate and prosecute those who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic by defrauding others.

If you believe you have been victimized, please notify the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200, or your local police department.

Residents can also report the theft of stimulus checks from the mail to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report or 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Morris Habitat for Humanity Launches Virtual Food Drive for Interfaith Food Pantry

MORRIS COUNTY — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Morris Habitat for Humanity is launching a virtual food drive to benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry. There is an unprecedented need for food as a result of the crisis and purchasing food online allows people to fight hunger while staying safe at home.

As people practice social distancing, traditional food drives are no longer an alternative. Morris Habitat’s food drive allows donors to actually see and shop online for the items they wish to donate. For example, a donation of $3.75 will purchase a carton of milk while $24.00 will purchase a six-pack of canned chicken. All of the food options are healthy items that the Interfaith Pantry wants and needs. At the end of the drive, all donations are delivered directly to the food pantry.

“This health crisis is now an economic crisis, and so many people have lost jobs and income making it difficult to afford basic needs like food,” said Blair Schleicher Bravo, CEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity. “Our organization’s focus has traditionally been on providing affordable homes, but now we’re broadening our outreach because the need is so great to feed our communities.”

The Interfaith Food Pantry is a non-denominational, non-profit organization helping families make ends meet by supplementing their monthly groceries. The organization is now facing an unprecedented challenge, as demand is picking up and they are bracing for an influx of unemployed workers. Companies, houses of worship, and schools that typically hold food drives are now unable to do so; their most important spring fundraising gala has been postponed.

Food donors will receive $20.00 off online purchases at Morris Habitat’s Restore and Morris Habitat will give an additional $20.00 in food purchases to Interfaith Food Pantry for each donation.

The ReStore is a retail home improvement outlet featuring new and second-hand building materials and furnishings—all at reduced prices. Inventory is donated and proceeds help fund the construction of affordable homes. To date, the ReStore has funded 28 of the 112+ houses constructed by Morris Habitat and saved over 10,200 tons of materials from landfills. The store is closed temporarily but $20.00 coupons can be used online or when the store reopens.

Click here to donate to Morris Habitat’s Food Drive

For more information about Morris Habitat for Humanity click here.

11 Additional Parsippany Residents Tested Positive for COVID-19

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 11 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Thursday, April 16. (Editors Note: Our next reporting will be on Monday, April 20)

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 415 individuals. (This data is as of 4:09 p.m., Friday, April 17).

Morris County has a total of 3725 residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19. This is an increase of 89 cases since Thursday, April 16. A total of 232 deaths have been reported.

Please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face. If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.

For a complete breakdown of Morris County total presumptively tested positive cases, click here.

Sherrill, Menendez, and Pascrell Lead Members Calling on CDC to Establish System for Prioritization of COVID-19 Tests

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) joined with Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09), leading a letter from Members of Congress urging the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to establish an official coding or labeling system for the prioritization of COVID-19 tests.

A standard system for health care providers and testing centers to label samples sent to commercial laboratories would ensure laboratories have the information necessary to prioritize the samples for health care workers and first responders, as well as those most at-risk for complications, such as hospitalized patients and nursing home residents. It would also save our hospitals and health care providers the personal protective equipment used in the days they wait for COVID-19 testing results to arrive from commercial laboratories.

“The emergence of testing centers in our state is putting even more pressure on commercial laboratories, despite their best efforts to increase capacity to keep pace with the pandemic,” the lawmakers wrote. “Given the insurmountable challenge of laboratory capacity being outpaced by the number of cases, it is essential to establish a prioritization framework for both our health care providers and laboratories.”

The letter was also signed by Senator Cory A. Booker and Representatives Albio Sires (NJ-08), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Danny K. Davis (IL-07).

Saint Peter the Apostle Church Food Pantry Collection Weekend

PARSIPPANY — The Food Pantry at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, 179 Baldwin Road, is in need of our support. PLEASE Consider making a food donation this weekend…

Their next Food Pantry collection takes place this weekend Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.

Since the church remains locked, drop off will take place at the back door, or drive-up entrance, to the Food Pantry in the back of All Saints Academy. Please DO NOT drop off food at the church. Volunteers will be available to assist with dropping off bags between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The most needed items include cold cereal, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, paper products, coffee, tea, and any cleaning products.

Thank you for supporting our parish Food Pantry which helps so many of our sisters and brothers in need.

34 Additional Parsippany Residents Tested Positive for COVID-19

PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified an additional 34 Parsippany residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, since it was last reported on Wednesday, April 15.

The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 404 individuals. (This data is as of 4:09 p.m., Thursday, April 16).

Morris County has a total of 3635 residents presumptively tested positive for COVID-19. This is an increase of 166 cases since Wednesday, April 15. A total of 216 deaths have been reported.

Please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face. If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately.

The County of Morris, in partnership with Atlantic Health, is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the County College of Morris, Dover Chester Road, Randolph, NJ 07869, in parking lot 1. Testing is scheduled beginning at 9:00 a.m. and is for Morris County residents only. There is no fee for the test.

To sign up for an appointment online click here for details.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.

For a complete breakdown of Morris County total presumptively tested positive cases, click here.