MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County officials recently revealed a new initiative titled “The Show Must Go On In Monmouth.”
The initiative was developed to support the arts during the pandemic, providing reimbursement for safety purchases due to COVID-19.
“Throughout this pandemic, the County has done everything in our power to support our small businesses, including advocating for them to the State and created the Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Now, we want to do everything we can for our performing arts venues in Monmouth County.”
The new initiative allows performing arts venues in Monmouth County to submit a reimbursement to any expenses they have, or will acquire, in order to operate their business safely with COVID-19 precautions.
Some examples of expenses eligible for reimbursement include:
- Masks;
- Plexiglass;
- Gloves;
- Sanitizer;
- Touchless ticket scanners;
- Temperature screening devices;
- Signage;
- Contactless credit card machines and time clocks;
- Air purifiers;
- Disinfecting foggers; or
- Any other measure necessary to make their establishment CDC compliant.
“The County will be reaching out directly to every one of the performing arts venues to coordinate their submissions,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “The only thing I would ask these venues to do is to make a list, if they haven’t already, of everything that they anticipate they will need – or have already bought – in order to ensure that they can safely reopen their doors and put on the show once again!”
Freeholder Director Arnone has also announced an update about the Monmouth County CARES Economic Assistance Grant Program.
“We have now approved more than 2,000 applications and dispersed more than $17 million,” said Freeholder Director Arnone. “We still have nearly $3 million available, so we are urging small business owners to submit an application. The application is relatively simple and all you need is your tax return to get started.”
Any small business owners can visit MonmouthCountyCares.com or call 732-375-2196, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to apply for reimbursement.
Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley also provided updates about the Monmouth County COVID-19 Testing Program, with locations in Asbury Park, Freehold Borough, Keansburg, Long Branch, Neptune and Red Bank.
The testing site locations, dates and hours of operation can be found on the County’s website at visitmonmouth.com.
