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Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG
Sexual Misconduct With Patient Means Revocation Of License For Bergen Physical Therapist: AG The New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners has permanently revoked the license of a Bergen County physical therapist who admitted to engaging in sexual relations with one patient and was accused of making inappropriate remarks to another, officials said. Danny O. Steffens, who practiced at facilities in New Milford and Fort Lee, voluntarily surrendered his license following complaints from two female patients, identified in filed documents as Patient #1 and Patient #2, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Thursday, Dec. 19. Steffens is prohibited from ever reappl…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says 19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says
19 NJ Retailers Fined $4,500 For Selling Illegal Flavored Vape Products, AG Says Nineteen retailers across New Jersey are facing $4,500 after an investigation found they'd been selling flavored vape products banned in the Garden State, the NJ Attorney General's Office said. All 19 stores were issued a Notice of Violation after they were found to have violated the state's consumer protection laws, AG Matthew Platkin said. The enforcement actions are the result of a Division investigation into unlawful sales of flavored electronic smoking devices and products, including mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate flavors, Platkin said.  The Division launched its investigation…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Illegal Botox, Lip Injections: NJ Spa Owner Fined $10K, Banned From Biz, AG Says Illegal Botox, Lip Injections: NJ Spa Owner Fined $10K, Banned From Biz, AG Says
Illegal Botox, Lip Injections: NJ Spa Owner Fined $10K, Banned From Biz, AG Says The owner of a Passaic County skincare spa has agreed to pay a $10,000 fine and accepted a 10-year ban in operating a similar business in New Jersey following allegations he provided invasive aesthetic treatments that she was not licensed to perform, officials said. Prompted by a tip from the public, an investigation found that Rasha Abdul N. Basuf, the former owner of the now-defunct Skyn Spa on Lakeview Avenue Clifton, unlawfully provided cosmetic services without the requisite professional licenses, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs sa…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
UPDATE: Vicious Blaze Kills Dog, Injures Firefighters In Wayne UPDATE: Vicious Blaze Kills Dog, Injures Firefighters In Wayne
Update: Vicious Blaze Kills Dog, Injures Firefighters In Wayne A vicious fire consumed a Wayne home and sent at least two firefighters to the hospital, responders at the scene said. One reportedly complained of chest pains and the other suffered a possible broken leg in the Lenox Road fire, which began on the porch of the single-family home around 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and quickly spread. A family dog was killed in the blaze, which ignited when the residents weren't home. Aftermath CONTRIBUTED Flames ended up blowing through the roof of the 2½-story, wood-frame home, as firefighters mounted an exterior attack. The two-alarmer was knocked down …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
$100M In Medicaid Money Going To NJ's 15 Worst Nursing Homes: Report $100M In Medicaid Money Going To NJ's 15 Worst Nursing Homes: Report
$100M In Medicaid Money Going To NJ's 15 Worst Nursing Homes: Report Shape up or ship out. That's the message New Jersey's Comptroller is sending to 15 of the state's nursing homes, cited in a new report as some of the worst. New Jersey is spending $100 million a year in Medicaid dollars on some of the state's worst nursing homes. And the 15 "one-star" homes named in Comptroller's report released Wednesday have faced little to no consequences -- until now, the organization says. If the facilities don't fix the health and safety issues that they've repeatedly been cited for, they risk being kicked off Medicaid altogether. "Continued funding of these facilit…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Trapped Driver Freed, Hospitalized Following 3-Car Crash On Route 202 In Hunterdon County Trapped Driver Freed, Hospitalized Following 3-Car Crash On Route 202 In Hunterdon County
Trapped Driver Freed, Hospitalized Following 3-Car Crash On Route 202 In Hunterdon County A trapped driver was freed and hospitalized following a three-car crash on Route 202 in Hunterdon County, authorities said. The crash occurred in the southbound lanes in front of the Northlands building in Raritan Township just after 4:20 p.m. Monday, the Flemington-Raritan Rescue Squad said. Emergency crews at the scene freed the trapped driver using hydraulic rescue tools while paramedics cared for the other three patients involved, authorities said. Once safely removed from the vehicle, the trapped driver was taken to Morristown Medical Center for further care. The other three patient…

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by Valerie Musson
News
LAWSUIT: 65 Atlantic City Firefighters Exposed To COVID-19 Followed 'Ineffective' Approach LAWSUIT: 65 Atlantic City Firefighters Exposed To COVID-19 Followed 'Ineffective' Approach
Lawsuit: 65 Atlantic City Firefighters Exposed To Covid-19 Followed 'Ineffective' Approach The Atlantic City firefighters union has filed a lawsuit saying the city took an "ineffective approach" to handling the COVID-19 pandemic after 65 firefighters were exposed to the virus. The city arranged rapid tests for firefighters directly exposed to six others who tested positive, and instructed those who tested negative to return to work, according to the suit filed in Atlantic County Superior Court. Filed by Local 198, the suit calls the approach to handling the virus "ineffective," and " jeopardized the health and safety of all firefighters, their families, and the general publi…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
COVID-19: Sparta High School Halts Athletics For 2 Weeks After Multiple Cases Emerge COVID-19: Sparta High School Halts Athletics For 2 Weeks After Multiple Cases Emerge
Covid-19: Sparta High School Halts Athletics For 2 Weeks After Multiple Cases Emerge Athletic activities at Sparta High School have been put on hold for two weeks after several COVID-19 cases were reported. The cases are among members of the football and girls’ soccer teams, the school’s acting superintendent said. Sports practices are scheduled to resume on Monday, Oct. 5. “Our intent is to take this action as a proactive measure to protect the health and safety of our student athletes and our coaches,” said Acting Superintendent Patrick McQueeney in a letter on the district website Sunday night. “We are hoping to avoid a potential scenario that could result in a future c…

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by Valerie Musson
News
Jersey Mike's Subs Opens New Location In Clifton Jersey Mike's Subs Opens New Location In Clifton
Jersey Mike's Subs Opens New Location In Clifton Jersey Mike’s is opening a Clifton store next week. The Route 3 shop will open on Wednesday, July 29. While the sub shop’s dining room remains temporarily closed due to COVID-19 precautions, takeout/pickup orders can be placed online or via the store’s app.  Delivery will also be available in many areas via third-party services. Though the store won’t officially open until July 29, John Helm and Matt Catania — the owners of the franchise — are holding off on scheduling a grand opening until day-to-day operations are normal. Meanwhile, employees are complying with all COVID-19 g…

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by Valerie Musson
Business
SoJo Spa Reopening With These Restrictions SoJo Spa Reopening With These Restrictions
SoJo Spa Reopening With These Restrictions SoJo Spa Club is reopening next month after four months of being closed to COVID-19. The Edgewater spa -- whose crown jewel is its infinity pool on the eighth level -- will be open with new restrictions Aug. 4.  Capacity has been reduced to 25 percent or less, and reduced hours of 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Spots can be reserved online. Weekdays are $75 a person for the day and weekends are $85. Late arrivals may result in reservation forfeiture, and walk-ins will be limited. It's not spring yet, but it doesn't have to be. 💁‍♀️ Our pools are heated and open allll year... Posted by SoJo Spa …

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Franklin Township Woman, 70, Airlifted After Falling Off Lawn Mower Franklin Township Woman, 70, Airlifted After Falling Off Lawn Mower
Franklin Township Woman, 70, Airlifted After Falling Off Lawn Mower A 70-year-old woman was airlifted to an area hospital after falling off a lawn mower in Warren County Monday afternoon, authorities said. The woman suffered head trauma after falling off the machine in Franklin Township around 12:15 p.m., New Jersey State Police Trooper Charles Marchan told Daily Voice. No further details were released.

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by Valerie Musson
Schools
Here Are The Rules: NJ Schools To Reopen With Social Distancing, Face Masks Here Are The Rules: NJ Schools To Reopen With Social Distancing, Face Masks
Here Are The Rules: NJ Schools To Reopen With Social Distancing, Face Masks Going back to school in September will look much different for New Jersey students, who have been remotely learning since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic mid-March. The New Jersey Department of Education on Friday released guidance for reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year. The guidelines strongly encourage face masks for students, who are required to stay six feet apart in classrooms and buses. Lunch times will be staggered and teachers are required to wear face masks. The guidelines are part of the state's "Road Back" restart and recovery plan, and were compiled…

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by Cecilia Levine
News
Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos
Reopening Date Set For NJ Indoor Dining, Casinos Indoor dining can resume at 25 percent capacity in New Jersey on July 2, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday in a tweet. Casinos can reopen the same day, also at 25 percent capacity, the governor said. Additional health and safety guidance will be released within the next several days, he added. Restaurants were. limited to takeout and delivery service in mid-March to stop the spread of coronavirus, and reopened for outdoor dining on June 15. This is a developing story. Check back for more.

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Union City Barber's Invention Could Be Game Changer For Salons Union City Barber's Invention Could Be Game Changer For Salons
Union City Barber's Invention Could Be Game Changer For Salons A Union City barber's invention could be a massive game-changer for others in his field. Edwin Ramirez, the 15-year owner of 201 Stylez on Park Avenue, has rolled out "Shields on Wheels" to help keep clients and their barbers safe during a cut. Ramirez, who was forced to close his barbershop in March, came up with the idea for a plexiglass shield while working at a carpentry shop he also owns, Pix11 reports. The shield contains a cutout large enough for the barber to fit their hands and tools through, and is on wheels, so the barber can work around a client's head. Ramirez is working on a…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Police: 'Other Medical Reason' Could've Caused Crash Involving Driver Wearing N95 Mask Police: 'Other Medical Reason' Could've Caused Crash Involving Driver Wearing N95 Mask
Police: 'Other Medical Reason' Could've Caused Crash Involving Driver Wearing N95 Mask An N95 mask worn by a driver may not have been the reason he fainted and crashed, said police in Lincoln Park, updating an original report. “It is certainly possible that some other medical reason could've contributed" to the accident, they said in an updated post. “Police officers are not physicians and do not know the medical history of every person we encounter,” police said. “We conduct accident scene investigations using training, experience and observations at the scene to determine a cause. “It was stated in the original post that we ‘believed’ the excessive wearing of an N95 mask …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
COVID-19: Newark, Morristown, Garwood ShopRite Employees Test Positive COVID-19: Newark, Morristown, Garwood ShopRite Employees Test Positive
Covid-19: Newark, Morristown, Garwood ShopRite Employees Test Positive A ShopRite worker in Garwood tested positive for COVID-19, marking the third case among the grocery chain’s employees in the state, officials said. The prior cases were identified among employees at Newark and Morristown stores. The worker is not currently at the location, officials confirmed in a Facebook post, and workers who had close contact with the patient are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. ShopRite is asking customers to wash hands regularly, practice social distancing and refrain from coming into the store if symptoms are present. “The containment of the Coronavirus is…

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by Valerie Musson
News
COVID-19: No Visitors, With Exceptions, Begins At Hackensack Meridian Hospitals In 6 Counties COVID-19: No Visitors, With Exceptions, Begins At Hackensack Meridian Hospitals In 6 Counties
Covid-19: No Visitors, With Exceptions, Begins At Hackensack Meridian Hospitals In 6 Counties Hackensack Meridian Health on Friday will begin prohibiting visitors, with certain exceptions, at its hospitals and nursing and rehab facilities, HMH announced Thursday. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for pediatric patients at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack and the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune City, as well as at the other hospitals, Hackensack Meridian Health said. Other exceptions include: hospice ambulatory care/same-day surgery (one visitor) maternity/labor and delivery (one visitor) “Once a visitor is approved, they will unde…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
SUV Plows Into Entrance Of Old Tappan Mixed-Use Building SUV Plows Into Entrance Of Old Tappan Mixed-Use Building
SUV Plows Into Entrance Of Old Tappan Mixed-Use Building A small SUV plowed into an Old Tappan mixed-use building on Friday. The older-model Hyundai continued through a handicapped parking space, mounted a small curb and hit the façade of the Old Tappan Road building between two columns at the entrance. There was no immediate word on the condition of the driver, who responders said was hospitalized. The building didn’t appear structurally compromised. The SUV, which sustained substantial damage, had to be towed. The two-story mini strip mall contains an insurance firm, an investment company, a pizza restaurant, a Chabad teaching center, an acu…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Schools
18 Parsippany Hills High School Students, Staff Members Treated In Pepper Spray Incident 18 Parsippany Hills High School Students, Staff Members Treated In Pepper Spray Incident
18 Parsippany Hills High School Students, Staff Members Treated In Pepper Spray Incident A student who sprayed pepper spray inside a Parsippany Hills High School classroom caused breathing problems for 18 students and faculty members, police said. A faculty member pulled the fire alarm in response to several people reporting breathing problems around 10 a.m. Thursday morning, Parsippany Police Chief Andrew Miller said. The room was ventilated and all students and faculty were allowed to reenter the building shortly after. It was not clear why the student sprayed pepper spray. The investigation remained ongoing as of Friday evening. The Mount Tabor Fire Department, Par-Troy EM…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Emotionally Disturbed Man Taken To Hospital After Incident In Washington Township Emotionally Disturbed Man Taken To Hospital After Incident In Washington Township
Emotionally Disturbed Man Taken To Hospital After Incident In Washington Township An emotionally disturbed man was transported to a hospital for an evaluation after police were called to a disturbance in Washington Township, responders said.  Township police were joined at a Linwood Avenue home by their colleagues from Westwood and Ridgewood, as well as Bergen County sheriff's officers, among others. Reports that the man was armed with a knife couldn't immediately be confirmed. An ambulance with two officers aboard took him to New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, responders said. At least one officer may have sustained a minor injury, they said. Boyd A. Loving t…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
NJ: Morris County Dentist Who Exposed Patients To Heart Infection Can Resume Practice This Year NJ: Morris County Dentist Who Exposed Patients To Heart Infection Can Resume Practice This Year
NJ: Morris County Dentist Who Exposed Patients To Heart Infection Can Resume Practice This Year A Morris County dentist who exposed more than a dozen patients to a heart infection that killed one of them agreed to a five-year license suspension and thousands of dollars in penalties, authorities said. Because the move includes time already in suspension, John Vecchione will be allowed to begin a probationary period on Aug. 31, provided he follows certain conditions and demonstrates his "fitness and competency to resume practice," Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said. Vecchione was temporarily suspended from practice in August 2016 amid allegations that he failed to mai…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Englewood Boy, 2, Rushed To Hospital After Ingesting Thyroid Meds Englewood Boy, 2, Rushed To Hospital After Ingesting Thyroid Meds
Englewood Boy, 2, Rushed To Hospital After Ingesting Thyroid Meds A 2-year-old Englewood boy who ingested thyroid medication was conscious and alert when taken to the hospital Friday, authorities said. Responding officers were met in the lobby of the William Street building by the boy’s father, who said he’d taken an unknown amount of the medication, Deputy Police Chief Gregory Halstead said. The boy was “alert, conscious and responsive” when EMS took him to nearby Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Halstead said. Detectives were investigating, as was the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the deputy chief said.

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Officer Suffering Reaction To Cleaning Products Brings HazMat Response To Parsippany Home Officer Suffering Reaction To Cleaning Products Brings HazMat Response To Parsippany Home
Officer Suffering Reaction To Cleaning Products Brings HazMat Response To Parsippany Home The Morris County Hazardous Materials unit was called to a Parsippany home after an officer responding to a call had a physical reaction to cleaning products, authorities said. An officer noticed a strong smell of ammonia while responding to the Upper Rainbow Trail home on a report of possible criminal mischief around 5:30 p.m., Monday, Parsippany Police Sgt. Brian Conover said.  The officer's throat began burning and his eyes were watering as the homeowner explained he cleans up after his two dogs with bleach, police said. Fire and emergency service officials were called to the scene…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Fairfield PD Shoot Coyote Dead After Biting Mom, 3-Year-Old Son (VIDEO) Fairfield PD Shoot Coyote Dead After Biting Mom, 3-Year-Old Son (VIDEO)
Fairfield PD Shoot Coyote Dead After Biting Mom, 3-Year-Old Son (Video) Fairfield police shot and killed a coyote that bit a mother and her toddler while walking in a park, sending them to the hospital with leg injuries, authorities said. The 37-year-old mom was pushing her 4-year-old son in a stroller in the area between the tennis courts and pool at the Fairfield Recreation Complex when the coyote lunged at her just before 7 p.m., Borough Police Chief Anthony G. Manna said. ** VIDEO: Tatiana, a local nurse and mom, recalled the terrifying attack with her two kids and husband during a press conference at the Fairfield Recreation Complex Friday ** Th…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
UPDATE: Five Mumps Cases Confirmed At Bergen County Jail, Lockdown Continues UPDATE: Five Mumps Cases Confirmed At Bergen County Jail, Lockdown Continues
Update: Five Mumps Cases Confirmed At Bergen County Jail, Lockdown Continues Five Bergen County Jail inmates were confirmed with mumps, authorities said Friday. "The Bergen County Department of Health Services has received confirmation of five of the 6 suspected cases of mumps in the Bergen County Jail with no additional cases at this time being reported," said Michael Pagan, a spokesman for County Executive Jim Tedesco. "A sixth suspected case was negative." A lockdown continued at the jail. The lockdown will be lifted on July 6 if no new cases are found, authorities said. "Isolation means no additional inmates accepted and no one out until we're comfortable that…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
5-Year-Old Demarest Girl Severely Burned Falling Into Home Fire Pit 5-Year-Old Demarest Girl Severely Burned Falling Into Home Fire Pit
5-Year-Old Demarest Girl Severely Burned Falling Into Home Fire Pit A 5-year-old Demarest girl was flown to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston after she tripped and fell into a home fire pit, burning her face and arms over the weekend, responders said. The accident left the child with second- and third-degree burns, they said.

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by Jerry DeMarco