Jersey City Times Staff

COVID-19 has left Lucia’s life in shambles. Her partner of 27 years died last week, at home, after being released twice from a hospital despite probably having the disease and having serious trouble breathing. She has contracted the virus and, while she has lung damage and other conditions that put her at risk of complications, is at home. She has no job, no income and no idea what to do next.

In a strategic plan the administration issued Friday, 75% of the estimated $80 million it will receive each year is targeted toward electrification in the sector, particularly investing in NJ Transit buses and infrastructure, and medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles in densely populated communities already overburdened with pollution.

Proposed plan from two Senate Dems would save money by furloughing workers while ensuring they qualify for enhanced federal unemployment benefits.

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is suggesting one more: completing a power of attorney (POA) form that designates a temporary legal guardian in the event a parent or parents become ill or incapacitated.

With COVID-19 wreaking its fifth straight week of havoc on Jersey City, the city’s municipal council met Wednesday night to consider the first reading of an ordinance to freeze rent and ban late payment penalties on all units subject to rent control. Spurred by the pandemic, the ordinance, if passed, would remain in effect through August 1. Debate on its scope was spirited.

School leaders yesterday said the digital divide has long been realized but now it was hitting home.

And like the challenges other health care providers face during this coronavirus epidemic, home care agencies are now struggling to balance the sudden need for more protective gear, workforce shortages, unexpected costs and uncertain revenues. But in caring for people in private homes — instead of institutions — many of these struggles remain out of public view.

Campus walk-throughs have gone virtual, decision dates have been delayed for many, enrollment trends are uncertain, but counselors say the kids will be alright.

While there are some signs the impact of the coronavirus may be lessening in New Jersey, state officials have distributed guidelines to help hospitals allocate patient resources if there are widespread shortages of things like ventilators or other critical-care supplies.