Preventative Measures and Communications Efforts Continue
Statement Issued: 3/14/2020 at 5:00 pm
The latest statistics related to the COVID-19 Coronavirus from Governor Murphy’s office state that the number of presumptive positive cases in New Jersey has increased from 50 to 69. Middlesex County now has ten positive cases, including one case in Monroe Township.
Monroe Township was notified late Friday evening by the Middlesex County Department of Health of the first Township resident testing positive for the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The resident is a family member of a student at the Middle School and the High School. The patient returned home and is under home-quarantine.
The Middlesex County Health Department is the lead in the investigation of the case and is responsible for additional notifications in the community.
Updates will be provided as they are available and allowed under federal and state privacy laws. Names, addresses and personal identifying information of patients cannot be released or shared with the community.
If the general public has questions regarding the Coronavirus, please contact the New Jersey Department of Health Hotline at 800-222-1222.
LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR RESOURCES: In an effort to effectively marshal local and other resources in the best interests of all Monroe Township residents, Chief Michael J. Biennas, with the full support of Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro, declared a local State of Emergency in Monroe Township (Middlesex County) beginning at 2 p.m. on March 14. This allows the Township and OEM to procure the supplies and resources necessary to address this local health emergency. Please note that there are no travel restrictions in place at this time. Social distancing is strongly encouraged.
“It is important that we as a community remain calm while taking the virus very seriously,” said Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro. “Our highly trained EMS, Police and Fire personnel are prepared and committed to respond to this emergent health situation.”
In light of today’s developments, the following measures have been taken to limit spread of the virus in our community:
MONROE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT: Monroe Township Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dori Alvich, notified parents, guardians and staff this morning of the new case in Monroe Township.
Click here for correspondence from Dr. Alvich to Monroe Township School parents and guardians:
https://www.monroe.k12.nj.us/cms/lib/NJ01000268/Centricity/domain/1/announcements/2019-20/A%20message%20from%20MONROE%20TWP.pdf
MONROE TOWNSHIP SENIOR CENTER, LIBRARY AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES & CLOSURES: Monroe Township Library and Recreation Center are now closed. All programs and activities at the senior center, library and recreation/community center will remain suspended until further notice.
MONROE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL COURT: Municipal Court sessions are suspended until further notice beginning Tuesday, March 17. The Municipal Court service window will remain open while court sessions are suspended.
CABLE & TV LEINENCY:
Comcast today announced additional steps to help ensure people stay connected to the Internet as more schools suspend classes and companies encourage employees to work from home due to the Coronavirus. Click here for the NJ.com news article:
http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19/
SOCIAL DISTANCING:
In an effort to encourage social distancing, residents are reminded of the many online services available on the Township website at www.monroetwp.com. Please consider online resources for avoiding exposure such as bill pay and submission of forms and applications before visiting Town Hall or other municipal buildings.
All residents and vendors are reminded to review the restrictions set forth by the federal and state government before attempting to visit any long-term care facility or nursing home.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
Monroe Township will use social media, emails, the municipal website, broadcast channels and the Nixle alert system to provide the latest information available. Community members are urged to sign up for Nixle notifications by going to https://local.nixle.com/register or by texting 08831 to 888777.
Following are links to the most relevant federal, state and local agencies with the most up-to-date information:
NJ State 24-Hour Hotline - 1-800-222-1222: Trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about coronavirus.
Center for Disease Control Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)