For
Immediate Release:
November 2, 2020
Freeholders
provide COVID-19 updates; announce assistance for special needs schools, expansion
of CARES Act grant programs
FREEHOLD,
NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders held a press conference
today to announce the expansion of the Monmouth County CARES Economic
Assistance Grant Program, assistance for special needs schools and provide
COVID-19 updates.
“To date, the total number of positive COVID-19
cases in Monmouth County since March is 14,500. As of Oct. 30, there are 84
hospitalized, 21 in intensive care (ICU) and 10 on ventilators in Monmouth
County due to COVID-19,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We need
everyone to do their part to slow the spread by practicing social distancing
and staying home when they are sick.”
The Monmouth County Health Department
(MCHD) has administered 3,832 tests, with 84 positive
results, as part of the County’s COVID-19 Free Testing Program, which began in
July. MCHD is conducting contact tracing for all residents who test positive.
The testing site locations, dates and hours of
operation are posted on the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com.
Freeholder Director Arnone announced that
Monmouth County is allocating CARES Act funding to vocational and special needs
schools.
“There are some things that cannot be taught
virtually, including culinary arts, biotechnology and health care. Because of
the critical need for hands-on learning, the County vocational schools have
worked tirelessly to safely return students to the classroom,” said Freeholder
Director Thomas A. Arnone. “To assist them in this endeavor, the County will be
allocating $500 per full time student and $250 per share time student.”
“We are also going to be allocating $500 per
student to the ten special needs schools in Monmouth County in order to help
enhance their education,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “The students and families in these schools rely
heavily on structure and so the schools have had to dedicate their efforts to
figure out how to bring them into the schools safely.”
“These students have worked so hard to get
where they are today and we will do everything we can to help these schools
keep their students in their classrooms with their favorite teachers and
peers,” added Freeholder Director Arnone.
Freeholder
Director Arnone also gave updates about “The Show Must Go On in Monmouth!” and the
Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program.
“At our last press conference, I announced “The
Show Must Go On in Monmouth!” program. I am happy to say that all performing
arts organizations in Monmouth County that we know of have been contacted,”
said Freeholder Director Arnone. “If any performing arts company has not
been contacted, please contact the Monmouth County Administrator’s office at
732-431-7384.”
“Additionally, I am excited to announce that we are expanding the
Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program and allowing small
businesses to apply for an additional $10,000—for a total of up to $20,000 in
grant money,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “Any small business that has
already applied and submitted expenses in excess of $20,000 does not need to do
anything—your application will be reviewed and eligible expenses will be
processed. If you submitted more than $10,000 but less than $20,000 and have
incurred additional expenses, please submit them as soon as possible.”
“I encourage any small business that has not
applied at all, to please do so as soon as possible,” said Freeholder Director
Arnone.
To apply for a grant, small business owners
can go to www.MonmouthCountyCares.com
or call 732-375-2196, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We have now approved more than 2,100
applications and dispersed nearly $18 million,” said Freeholder Director Arnone.
“If you have any questions, about eligibility or how to fill out an
application, the County is ready to help you.”
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