Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States have been on the increase since March 2020. It is currently the country with the highest number of Coronavirus infections. The country’s national and state government has been on the frontline to come up with ways to cope with the effects of the virus.
The two, in collaboration with other stakeholders, are also looking for ways to reduce the rate of infection. New Jersey, in particular, has devised measures that will help its citizens better handle and cope with the emotional, financial, and economic impacts of this disease that emerged late last year.
From counseling affected families and caregivers to offering various necessities to the needy, New Jersey is doing a commendable job in helping the residents to cope with the Coronavirus. Below are ways through which the state is dealing with the situation.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small business owners have so far felt the adverse effects of the pandemic. Some of them have been forced to close shop as the number of customers drops with each passing day. Such businesses need funding to save them from collapsing.
Through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund, the businesses have been awarded $15M to help them remain in business. The funds are from the State’s Coronavirus Aid administers by the Economic Development Authority.
Relief Fund Donations
More people are projected to face food insecurity during this pandemic. The economic impact of the crisis is significant in the region, with a good percentage unable to afford enough essentials. Individuals and organizations are being called upon to donate funds that can be used to help those affected by COVID-19. Those who need help can also call or visit different institutions within New Jersey.
Some schools, for instance, are providing to-go meals that people in need can pick. Mostly, the schools are offering assistance to families whose children study in their institutions. People are encouraged to drop their food, water, clothing, and any other thing they may want to donate at donation centers across new Jersey. For those wishing to give money, they can do so online. Several charity organizations have the donate option on their websites.
Emotional Support to Individuals
COVID-19 has left many people emotionally drained. The uncertainty of what will happen in case one is infected, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or having to cope with their absence in case they are quarantined away from home has left many people emotionally unstable.
New Jersey is helping individuals cope with this by offering guidance and counseling services in various facilities, including NJ Mental Health Cares and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. In these centers, New Jersey residents can connect with individuals who they can confide in about their feelings.
For those who wish for virtual support, many helplines are available. Alternatively, one can join online support groups like New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Program for emotional support.
The groups cater to the needs of people from different walks, including teachers, parents, caregivers, teenagers, and adults. Help is available in multiple languages to ensure no one is disadvantaged due to language barriers.
People who are deaf or have hearing problems can also access emotional support through a videophone helpline. The services are offered by the NJ Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in partnership with the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Every person’s emotional support needs are catered for in New Jersey.
Repurposing Revenue from Online Casinos
The ongoing pandemic has negatively impacted New Jersey’s online gaming, reducing the revenue generated from them. Due to financial hardships, some individuals have chosen to spend their money on the most crucial necessities rather than use it on online casinos. Regardless, the state is still earning some money from online gaming in that it is one of those sectors that haven’t entirely shut down.
Online casinos are a safer option to brick and mortar casinos since people can access them on their handheld devices or laptops and PCs. The fact that they are operational means the government is generating some tax revenue from the industry. The funds are then used to aid support programs offering items like food, masks, sanitizers, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to run their activities.
COVID-19 Information
Pandemics such as the Coronavirus can be stressful. Public health actions like social distancing can make one feel lonely and isolated, which increases stress and anxiety. New Jersey leaders, donor groups, and support programs are aware of how bad such situations can become, prompting them to raise people’s awareness about the disease even before they become victims.
Besides educating people on the measures to observe to prevent themselves and their loved ones from being infected, they are helping people learn actions they can take to live satisfactory lives. For instance, people are encouraged to take breaks from watching, listening, or reading news stories about the Coronavirus since repeatedly hearing about the disease can be upsetting.
General information regarding COVID-19 is also available for individuals who want to learn more about the virus. If, for instance, you want to know which group of people is at a higher risk of infection, you get such information from these resources.
Such information is important in that it helps individuals and caregivers to know how to handle a situation when it occurs. This way, people can cope with the crisis since they are already aware of what to expect.
What Lies Ahead
As the impacts of the Coronavirus Disease continue being felt across the globe, New Jersey is doing its best to make it possible for people to cope with the pandemic. People’s mental health is at stake as many are dealing with worry and anxiety related to uncertainties caused by the disease.
Giving protective gear, donating basics like food, water, and clothing, housing the disadvantaged, and offering counseling sessions have excellently helped the state to cope with COVID-19 as everyone hopes a cure will be found soon. Good practices like hand washing or sanitizing, wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing are helping people counter the spread of the virus.