1 NEW COVID-19 POSITIVE CASE REPORTED COMMUNITY-WIDE ON MONDAY

‘THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT’: COUPLE GETS MARRIED IN MONROE TOWNSHIP PARKING LOT:  The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty to the world but today in the parking lot of the Monroe Township municipal building, one thing was certain -- the love between two people.  Ellen Panzer and Alan Schwartz have been in each other's lives for decades as friends. 

The couple applied for a marriage application on Friday via Zoom with the Monroe Township Municipal Clerk’s Office.  Today, the two became Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz with Judge Boyd officiating.  "There's no time like the present," says Ellen. "We know people who have gotten sick, we know people who have died and we know we're together." Watch the News12 New Jersey story here.

BEST WISHES TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!!

COVID-19 Cases received Monday, May 18: New positive case 1: 65, male

STATE AND NJDOH STATISTICS:  

• NJ hospitals currently have 3,481 patients being treated for COVID-19.This is a decrease from yesterday.
• NJ Field Medical Stations reported 44 patients.
• 173 new hospitalizations and 161 patients were discharged from the hospital yesterday.
• 977 patients in either critical or intensive care – “This is the first time this number has fallen below 1,000 in a very long time,” the Governor said.
• 789 ventilators currently in use.
• The daily positivity rate for tests from May 15^thwas 12 percent.
• “The rate of new cases at our long-term care facilities has decreased from its peak. We continue to work hard to push this curve even lower,” said Governor Murphy.“The numbers of lab-confirmed deaths associated with our long-term care facilities shows a decrease from its peak.”
• 12 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children - no deaths reported.
• Ages of children affected range from 3-18.9 out of the 12 have tested positive for COVID-19.3 are currently hospitalized.  
• “The only surefire cure available right now for COVID-19?To not get it,” said Governor Murphy.  “Maintain social distancing.  Wear a face covering.  Practice safe hygiene.”
• “Our hospitals and emergency rooms are safe and ready to care for you,” said Commissioner Persichilli.“Do not delay crucial medical care by avoiding hospitals.”
• Governor Murphy said CVS Pharmacy is now set to offer self-swab tests at a MINIMUM of 50 locations across New Jersey by the end of this month.“This is another important step forward as we continue to build testing capacity in our state,” he said.

GUIDANCE EXPECTED RE: ELECTIVE AND NON-URGENT MEDICAL AND DENTAL PROCEDURES:  The NJ Department of Health and the NJ Department of Consumer Affairs have issued binding guidance that will allow for the resumption of elective and non-urgent medical and dental procedures, including prioritization of procedures and heightened sanitation standards.  This guidance takes effect next Tuesday, May 26.

NJ REOPENING AUTO DEALERSHIPS, BIKE SHOPS FOR IN-PERSON SALES:  New Jersey auto dealerships and bicycle shops will once again be allowed to conduct in-person sales starting Wednesday morning — the latest reopening step Gov. Phil Murphy has announced as the state’s coronavirus outbreak continues to show signs of slowing and the state’s economy continues to suffer.  Murphy said Tuesday that car and motorcycle dealerships and bicycle shops are permitted to resume in-person sales at 6 a.m. Wednesday, with precautions. State officials continue to call for residents to practice social distancing and to wear masks when they visit stores in person.  Read the full NJ.com article here.

NJ AUTHORIZES 18,000 PHARMACISTS IN STATE TO CONDUCT CORONAVIRUS TESTS WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIONS:  More than 18,000 licensed pharmacists across New Jersey have been granted permission to administer tests for the coronavirus Tuesday as officials continue to expand the amount testing needed to lift restrictions put in place to slow the spread.

The announcement gives pharmacists in the state at more than 2,200 pharmacies the green light to test people for COVID-19, though Gov. Phil Murphy said test would more likely be done at pharmacies with drive-thrus. Two major chains, Rite Aid and CVS, have moved forward with testing. Residents won’t need to have symptoms of the virus or need a referral from a doctor.  Read the full NJ.com article here.