 Posted: Thu, Mar 19 2020, 6:15 pm EDT Post subject: March 19, 2020 - Township Committee COVID 19 - Update |
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| March 19, 2020 - Township Committee COVID 19 - Update
Good Afternoon Cranbury, Here is the latest information and some new pieces of advice that we have regarding the local impact of COVID 19. -There are no reported cases of Coronavirus in Cranbury Township. -The guidelines on social distancing, self-quarantine and suggested statewide curfew of 20:00 remain in effect. The State is continuing to expand their response and presence. Just today they have unfurled new ways for residents to get updated information: Starting today, NJ 211 has been activated to assist with handling COVID-19 calls from NJ residents. Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898211 to receive ongoing text alerts to stay informed. Text our zip code 08512 to 898211 for live text assistance. If you prefer online live chat assistance, residents can visit nj211.org and chat online. For the latest state updates residents can now either: Text NJCOVID to 898211 Or call 211 Or visit nj211.org Update on Closures: Effective at 20:00 hours tonight the Governor has announced the mandated closure of all: Personal-Care businesses which cannot comply with social distancing guidelines - including barber shops and hair salons, spas, nail and eyelash salons, tattoo parlors-and social clubs until further notice. Mental Health Hotline: One of the many issues we will all be facing in the weeks and months to come is the anxiety and mental stress that the pandemic and response to it is likely to cause. Although the vast majority of us will experience mild and not unexpected stress during this time, if anyone experiences psychological issues that become insurmountable or worrisome to yourself or loved ones the state has set up a so called “warm line” (as opposed to a “hot line”). (866) 202-HELP (4357), (877) 294-HELP (4357), TTY (877) 294-4356 Please note these warm lines are not to replace 911 in the event of an emergency. Testing Centers: We are aware that at the time of this update there are a handful of testing centers being set up locally. We have not yet received information from the county or state on how these facilities will be utilized and who should be going for testing. When we receive that we will relay it accordingly. Groceries: We have heard concerns about grocery store supplies, the safety of going to the store and the issue of delivery. Here is what we can tell you as of today: Many but not all local grocery stores are offering early exclusive shopping hours for those who are 60 and older and who may have pre-existing medical conditions. Here is a list compiled by NJ.com that details some of the local store hours. Our local Shoprite has not yet set up specific “senior only” hours; however, they do have a 60 years and older checkout line (aisle #9). As to delivery, we are aware that lead times for receiving deliveries have increased but that it is expected to get better as the stores respond to the increased demand. Here is a link that details some strategies to best utilize delivery services. We are not aware of any shortages right now. In conversations with local store mangers we are being told that delivery trucks are arriving on a near daily basis and that they are not experiencing any particular shortages. There are some restrictions being placed on certain items, but this is being done primarily to curtail hoarding. Local Businesses Many of our local restaurants remain open for delivery and takeout only. Most other businesses are closed. Please remember this update is by no means an exhaustive list of the pertinent and relevant information. We ask that you please seek out authoritative and updated pandemic and medical information at the following: https://www.nj.gov/health https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html Footnote and shameless plug: There is as to be expected an abundance of bad or misleading information out there. Please vet your sources carefully when reading about the pandemic. I found the article linked below to be an excellent and insightful piece, it doesn’t hurt that it was written by Cranbury native, my son and now American expat in Montreal Jasper Scott. https://mjps.ssmu.ca/2020/03/08/misinformation-and-the-coronavirus-narra... Thanks for your attention Cranbury. Be well and wash your hands! Mayor Matt Scott Township Committee members: Mike Ferrante Barbara Rogers Evelyn Spann Jay Taylor https://www.cranburytownship.org/home/news/march-19-2020-township-committee-covid-19-update |
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