An intelligence briefing for N.J. Chamber of Commerce members on how coronavirus is impacting your business, the economy and health in New Jersey.

Updated March 12, 2021 at 2:55 p.m.

The Winners: New Jersey Entities Getting Big Money from the New Federal Relief Bill – Airline workers, NJ Transit, New Jersey airports and proponents of a new Portal Bridge are among the state's big winners of federal aid after President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Thursday. (nj.com) 

Restaurants are Also Big Benefactors – The bill sets aside $28.6 billion for grants to restaurants with revenue decreases in 2020 due the pandemic. The grants are equal to the amount of restaurants’ revenue losses, up to a maximum of $10 million per company and $5 million per location. Eligible companies cannot own more than 20 locations, and they can’t be publicly traded. The U.S. Small Business Administration will be handling applications once the program is up and running. (The Associated Press)

Other Winners – Almost 3.7 million New Jersey households will receive checks of up to $1,400 per person under the federal relief bill. Some Americans will receive the payments in their bank accounts as early as this weekend, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday. (nj.com) 

Biden to Order States to Make Vaccines Available to all Adults – In his first prime-time presidential address, President Biden said Thursday he would order states to make COVID-19 vaccines available to all American adults by May 1, in an effort to accelerate the vaccination effort critical to ending the pandemic. (Politico) 

An Employers Guide to Promoting COVID-19 Vaccines – Vaccination is a personal decision, so it’s logical that when employers show a personal willingness to be vaccinated, they are more likely to increase the willingness of their employees – across all demographic groups – to follow their lead and get the shot. Here is a guide. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Helping Small Businesses Land Government Contracts – Small businesses in New Jersey are currently being accepted into a program designed to position them to land government contracts. The program is run jointly by the NJEDA and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. (ROI-NJ) 

New Unemployment Claims in N.J. are Dropping, but they Remain in Unchartered Territory – There were 9,840 new unemployment claims filed in New Jersey for the week ending March 6, the state Labor Department reported. It is the fourth straight week of declines and the lowest since COVID-19 hit. Still, total claims exceed 2 million – an unprecedented number, the Labor Department said. (nj.com) 

We Asked N.J. Chamber Members: How Has the Past Year Changed You? – "I'm reminded about the importance of conversations with members, staff and fellow CPAs on everything from taxes to client struggles to family pets. Connecting with people has taken on a higher priority." – Ralph Thomas, CEO, NJCPA. Read more here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

N.J. Coronavirus Cases - New Jersey Residents (Source: N.J. Health Department)

Total Confirmed Deaths Reported: 21,380
Total Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Reported: 736,06
For data on hospitalizations and discharges, click here.
For data on vaccinations, click here.

Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration's website with guidance and details on forgivable business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

New Jersey small businesses can buy PPE at a 10% discount through this state program.

The state is offering assistance programs for New Jersey businesses.

The U.S. Chamber return-to-work playbook for employers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's report on reopening and preparing workplaces for COVID-19.

The CDC's recommendations for employers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus when they reopen their offices.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's listing of coronavirus resources for small businesses.

The state's jobs and hiring portal matches employers and candidates. For employers to participate, click here.

New Jersey's information on all of the state's business resources during the pandemic.

New Jersey's website for up-to-date information about COVID-19.

Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim? - You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website – www.myunemployment.nj.gov. Follow these instructions:

• On the top of the page, look to the top right for “Need Help?” and unveil the drop-down menu
• Choose 'Send an Online Message'
• Choose 'Submit a message through our new online form.'
• Follow the prompts

To report a scammer or suspected price gouging, alert the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at http://njconsumeraffairs.gov.

The state set up a 24-hour hotline where health care professionals are answering questions about coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. From outside the state, call 1-800-962-1253.