3 NEW COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES IN MONROE TOWNSHIP ON TUESDAY

1 IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY AND 2 COMMUNITY-WIDE

**According to data from the Middlesex County Board of Health, 75% of deaths in Monroe Township are from private long-term care facilities.   

COVID-19 Cases received Tuesday, May 12:  New positive cases 3 

JULY 4^thFIREWORKS, RECREATION SUMMER DAY CAMP AND SENIOR CENTER SUMMER GROUP PROGRAMMING CANCELLED:  After much consideration and in consultation with public health officials, Monroe Township today announced the cancellation of the Township Recreation Summer Day Camp, July 4^thFireworks, and all Senior Center group programming through July 31. 

Monroe Township Recreation’s popular summer day camp and MT SEPA camp, which normally begin next month and welcomes approximately 1,100 campers, are being cancelled in the best interest of public health and safety. The camps typically utilize the Community Center, township schools, parks and busses during operations. Under current public health orders, it is not feasible to maintain appropriate social distancing.

The annual Independence Day fireworks show at Thompson Park typically draws thousands of viewers from around the region and township officials believe this type of mass gathering poses a safety risk for residents, visitors, township staff, and emergency personnel. 

All Senior Center group programmingwill remain suspended through the end of July. 

“These decisions were not made hastily,” said Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro. “We take great pride in these annual traditions and are truly disappointed to have to cancel these programs  .  I believe these steps are necessary to protect our residents, from the youngest to oldest, from further spread of the Coronavirus.”

GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER # 142 REOPENING NONESSENTIAL STORES FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP AND ALLOWING CONSTRUCTION EFFECTIVE 6AM MONDAY; DRIVE-IN AND DRIVE-THRU EVENTS PERMITTED:  New Jersey will allow nonessential businesses to reopen for curbside pickup and nonessential construction to resume, starting Monday morning, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to show signs of slowing in the state, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.  The changes will take effect 6 a.m. Monday.  Murphy’s order also clarifies that drive-in and drive-through events — including drive-in movies and religious services — are permitted in the state, as long as people stay in their cars.  Read the full NJ.com article here.

STATE AND NJDOH STATISTICS:  

• As of last night:4,226 residents hospitalized for COVID-19.Field medical stations reported 34 patients.
• 364 new hospitalizations yesterday and 382 patients were discharged from the hospital.
• 1,226 patients in either critical or intensive care, 928 ventilators currently in use.
• 76% of ICU patients are on ventilators.
• 522 LTC facilities with COVID-19 cases; 26,763 COVID-19 cases in these facilities.
• Data shows that we are ready to begin to restart our economy, said Governor Murphy. From the peak:New hospitalizations down 2/3; Total hospitalizations down nearly 1/2; Patients in ICU are down; Patients on ventilators down; Positive cases down nearly 70%; Deaths have decreased more than 1/3.
• “We are not out of the woods yet,” the Governor said. “When compared to other states, we see that New Jersey still bears a significant burden from COVID-19 So, keeping up with social distancing is essential as we move forward.”
• “The success we’ve had flattening the curve gives us confidence that we’ll be able to announce the end of more restrictions in the days and weeks ahead,” Governor Murphy said.“There is no light switch we can flip – we can only slowly raise the dimmer.”
• Social distancing has helped us slow the spread of COVID-19 in NJ but we must continue to take precautionary measures:Stay at least 6 feet from other people.Don't gather in groups.  Avoid crowded places.  Limit close contact with others outside your household.
• “Our hospitals and emergency rooms are safe and ready to care for you,” said Commissioner Persichilli.“Do not delay crucial medical care by avoiding hospitals.”

NATIONAL SKILLED NURSING CARE WEEK:  Even through some of these most difficult times for the long-term care industry, these front-line workers have been committed to caring for residents.  Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW) recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled.  

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING COVID-19?  Call 2-1-1, text "NJCOVID" to 898-211, text your zip code to 898-211 for live text assistance or visit Covid19.nj.gov.

NEED HELP COPING WITH STRESS?  If you're feeling stressed, anxious or depressed due to COVID-19, please call New Jersey's Mental Health Hotline at 877-294-HELP (4357) or visit njmentalhealthcares.org for emotional support, guidance, and mental health referrals as needed.  You also may call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or Text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517).