Governor Phil Murphy announced an administrative order permitting additional businesses to operate normal business hours in accordance with Executive Order 107. Effective immediately, the following retail businesses are considered essential and permitted to operate: Mobile phone retail, repair shops; Bicycle shops, only for service and repair; Livestock feed stores; Nurseries, garden centers; and, Farming equipment stores. Local small business nurseries to support include: Haines Farm and Garden; A & J Landscape Supply and Garden Center and McNaughton's Garden Center. The Erlton Bike Shop's website and Facebook page state that it is temporarily closed.

The Diabetes Foundation is making emergency back-up kits available to eligible diabetics in New Jersey who need to test their blood sugar or administer insulin. Supplies are limited and on a first come first serve basis. You can apply to be wait listed through their website in both English and Spanish. Available kits include: Type 2/Gestational Kit: Glucometer/Lancing Device/Lancets/Glucotabs/Drinks and Snacks; Type 1 Kit: Glucometer/Lancing Device/Lancets/Ketostix/Glucotabs/Drinks and Snacks; Insulin Administration Kit: Pen Needles/Alcohol Swabs/Sharps Container; Insulin Administration Kit: Syringes/Alcohol Swabs/Sharps Container; or, Insulin Administration Kit: With Syringes and Needles.

The State of New Jersey has developed a centralized resource to match talent with opportunities in industries on the front lines of serving New Jerseyans during the outbreak. Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19? Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community. Businesses across New Jersey are looking to hire THOUSANDS OF WORKERS, including those who lost their jobs or have had hours reduced as a result of #COVID19. If you are looking for work visit this portal: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/. If you are looking to hire visit this portal: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake. 

The stimulus deal was the product of a marathon set of negotiations among Senate Republicans, Democrats and the White House that had stalled as Democrats insisted on stronger worker protections and oversight of a $500 billion fund to bail out distressed businesses. The aim of the legislation is to deliver critical financial support to businesses forced to shut their doors and relief to American families and hospitals reeling from the rapid spread of the disease and the resulting economic disruption. A Democratic aide familiar with the proposal said that it would expand unemployment benefits by $600 per week for four months, in addition to what states would provide as base salary compensation. For the average worker, adding the $600 per week would amount to 100 percent of wages and $100 billion dollars in funding for hospitals.

After complaints from Democrats, a $500 billion fund will now have far stricter oversight, in the form of an inspector general and a 5-person panel appointed by Congress, lawmakers said. Companies that accept money must also agree to halt any stock buybacks for the length of the government assistance, plus an additional year. Companies that accept money must also agree to halt any stock buybacks for the length of the government assistance, plus an additional year. Democrats also secured a provision that will block Trump family businesses — or those of other senior government officials — from receiving loan money under the programs

The agreement also includes $350 billion that would establish lending programs for small businesses, but only for those who keep their payrolls steady through the crisis. If the employer continued to pay its workers for the duration of the crisis, those loans would be forgiven.

Loyal Patrons, Friends & Family - First of all, we hope you are remaining healthy, taking precautions, and slowly adjusting to a new (albeit temporary we hope) normal. We miss you all very much. As you know, the state mandated that all restaurants and bars close about one week ago. Many establishments opted to stay open for takeout and/or delivery services, but we needed a moment to collect our thoughtsNow, one major question is circling in our heads. "How Can the Blue Monkey Tavern Serve the Community's Needs During The COVID-19 Pandemic?" We want to make sure Merchantville and the surrounding communities have the means to safely get a good meal. Family time starts around the table, and right now cherishing time with your loved ones and keeping them healthy and safe is what is most important.

This site will help to see if you are eligible for food assistance (SNAP), cash assistance (WFNJ/TANF or WFNJ/GA), and health Insurance (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid). From there you can apply for services or learn about additional resources. NJ Helps provides some extra help to pay for food at supermarkets, farmers markets and other approved stores; monthly cash, short-term housing support, child care, job search and readiness; and free or low-cost health care that may help pay for medical bills, doctor visits and prescriptions for certain low income individuals or families. You can submit an application online.