6 NEW COVID-19 CASES IN MONROE TOWNSHIP Message from Mayor Tamburro
LATEST STATE/COUNTY UPDATES:
US: Cases confirmed 300,565; Recovered 14,518; Deaths 8,150
State:New positive cases 4,372; Total cases statewide 34,124; Total Deaths 846.
Middlesex County:New positive cases 400; Total cases countywide 2,578; Total Deaths 76.
Monroe Township:New positive cases 6; Total municipal cases 131.
Monroe cases reported on April 4, 2020:
|
26, FEMALE |
43, FEMALE |
75, FEMALE |
77, FEMALE |
78, FEMALE |
84, MALE |
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR TAMBURRO:
Monroe,
With limited testing right now—it is hard to understand the true community spread of COVID-19 here in Monroe. I hope that testing really expands and hospital capacity too, but until then, we are in for an extended period of staying home and social distancing.
This is certainly getting hard. And we (Monroe) were one of the first communities in the nation to shut down activities, programs, and common public spaces so it feels even longer for all of us. In fact, it has been longer for us in Monroe – but I am confident that our hard work will ultimately save lives, our lives, our neighbors lives, and our children’s lives.
People keep calling and emailing me every day for good news. Unfortunately, based on science, the worst is yet to come, and as hard as it is to stay home, our health and our community literally depends on it.
Finally, this will be an especially hard week for me to continue to not see my family during Holy Week. I will miss my kids and my grandkids at Easter Dinner very much. I know you will too. And for many, this week is Passover, and many will miss having their seders with their extended family.
I will be thinking of all our residents on these days, and praying we have the strength to get through this. I know with our hard work, there will be better days ahead.
With Respect,
Jerry Tamburro
MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MURPHY and STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS:
Today, in his address that New Jersey is still looking for many more people to join the thousands who have already signed up to volunteer with the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corp. If you are a licensed or retired doctor, nurse or medical technician, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov/volunteer to add your name to the list.
Governor Murphy continued to urge all people in the state to continue social distancing and staying at home to curb the spread of the deadly virus. “We believe social distancing trumps anything else,” Murphy said. https://monroetwp.com/index.php/news
State health officials urged people to not gather for the upcoming Christian Holy Week, Easter and the Jewish holiday of Passover. Easter gatherings and Passover Seders will need to be held virtually. Many churches and temples will be offering virtual mass and Seder services.
NOTES FROM DR. FAUCI: Today, Dr. Fauci emphasized that physical separation is critical, “our most important tool”. He says vaccines and drugs will help later, but this is what’s essential now. “As sobering and difficult as this is, what we are doing is making a difference….we really need to continue”.
CDC RECOMMENDS FACE COVERING: It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. Click the attached link to see how to fashion a simple mask at home: https://youtu.be/tPx1yqvJgf4
NJ TESTING BY-THE-NUMBERS: As of Saturday, April 4,2020 a total of 75,336 patients tested in NJ. Of today’s number 7,853, there were 4,229 positives and 3,624 negatives. The overall test positivity: 45% and new test positivity is 54%. This positivity rate is still way too high.
STATE DIRECTIVE TO LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES: The state Department of Health is issuing a clear directive on how facilities must notify staff, residents and their families about COVID-19 cases. https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/04/state-tells-nursing-homes-be-transparent-about-coronavirus-or-we-will-out-you.html
MIDDLESEX COUNTY TESTING SITE: Schedule your appointment with Middlesex County Office of Health Services on SUNDAY, APRIL 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m. to make an appointment time for MONDAY, APRIL 6. Location: NJ MVC Kilmer Vehicle Inspection Center in Edison.
HELP FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES: The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s application window for the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program opened on Friday, April 3rd. Small Business owners should visit https://faq.business.nj.gov/en/articles/3835237-how-do-i-apply-to-the-njeda-small-business-emergency-assistance-grant-application-now-open-here.
RESTAURANT, FOOD SERVICE & GROCERY DIRECTORY: CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE AT SELECT LOCATIONS– Please inquire when placing your order. To update your information, please contact Eileen Biennas at