Day: March 20, 2020

Robbinsville Office of Emergency Management Report First Case of COVID-19 Of a Robbinsville Township Resident

March 20, 2020

Robbinsville, NJ – (March 20, 2020) – The Robbinsville Township Office of Emergency Management and the West Windsor Health Department are announcing the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in a Robbinsville resident.

The health department received notification of the test results on the evening of March 20 and has notified close contacts of this individual residing in town. The health investigation is ongoing, and contacts outside the jurisdiction also are being notified by public health officials. The patient has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating at home. Individuals who came in close contact are being informed to take preventative measures to stop further spread of the virus. Close contacts is defined as those persons in the community who had prolonged or close personal interaction with a positive COVID-19 case. Persons identified as close contacts must remain home for 14 days following exposure and self-monitor for symptoms. Public health officials will monitor these persons via telephone.

As we continue to see more cases identified throughout New Jersey, the public is reminded of the importance of adhering to social distancing precautions. This will help slow the spread of illness. Please follow public health preventative practices every day. Stay home when you are ill and avoid others with symptoms. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or sleeve. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often. If you become ill, call the doctor or hospital and wear a mask, if available.

Mayor Dave Fried and Health Officer Jill Swanson strongly encourage the public to reach out to family members and neighbors at highest risk for COVID-19 illness. The elderly and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions are the most vulnerable to serious health outcomes. Please identify the people in your life who are at-risk and take immediate steps to help them remain in their homes and away from crowded stores and venues. Check-in by telephone on a regular basis to ensure that they have adequate supplies and remain healthy. Working together, we can help lessen the impact of this outbreak in the community by doing our part to flatten the curve.

For more information, visit the West Windsor Township website at www.westwindsornj.org, the New Jersey Department of Health website at www.nj.gov/health, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

3/20/2020 Stats Update From Gov. Phil Murphy

March 20, 2020

We have 155 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 890.
• Atlantic: 3
• Bergen: 249
• Burlington: 17
• Camden: 11

• Cape May: 1
• Cumberland: 1
• Essex: 73
• Gloucester: 3
• Hudson: 66
• Hunterdon: 11
• Mercer: 22
• Middlesex: 76
• Monmouth: 53
• Morris: 35
• Ocean: 49
• Passaic: 49
• Somerset: 28

• Sussex: 3
• Union: 43
• Warren: 3
• Under Investigation: 98

As of 11:30 AM, #COVID19 statewide stats:
• Positive Tests: 890
• Deaths: 11

ADVERTISEMENT: Click here to save 20% on CBD for you and your pets. at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
ADVERTISEMENT: CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON CBD FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

Hankins Road Closed Due To MVA With Wires Down

March 20, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hankins Road is closed due to a motor vehicle accident where a car struck a utility pole. The Road is closed between Woodland Drive, East Windsor Township and South Lane West Windsor Township. The accident is reported in front of 121 Hankins Road.

Be prepared for the road to be closed for an extended time until the utility pole can be replaced.

The Robbinsville Township Police Department is on scene and the East Windsor Fire Company and Robbinsville Township Fire Departments responded to the scene.

ADVERTISEMENT: CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
ADVERTISEMENT: CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

Upper Freehold Regional School Buildings Closed Until After Spring Break April 20th, Online Learning Continues

March 20, 2020

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–See letter sent out to families of Upper Freehold Regional School District:

March 20, 2020
Dear UFRSD Family,
I hope this letter finds you well. It is remarkable to think about how different things are in such
a short amount of time. In these times, we are seeing our schools, our staff, our students, our
community, our state and country rise up to battle this moment in our history. I continue to be
proud of the work that everyone is doing to make this moment meaningful for kids. We are all a part
of this team of Redbirds, and I couldn’t be prouder of the entire UFRSD community.
As you may remember, the UFRSD and Millstone Township School District made the decision last week
to close our schools through March 27, 2020. We made this decision to support the recommendation of
social distancing to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) virus. This past week, the
Governor closed all schools in New Jersey “until further notice.” All indications point to a much
longer closure for our schools. Therefore, Dr. Huss and I made the decision to close schools
through spring break. Spring break begins on Thursday, April 9th (early dismissal schedule) and has
our schools reopening on Monday, April 20, 2020. There will be no remote learning during the week
of spring break (April 10 – April 19), because, more than ever, we recognize the real need for a
mental break this year..
We are fully aware that this date may need to continue to be adjusted. We will monitor all
information and continually consult with the Department of Health and the Department of Education
to determine if the April 20th date is a realistic one.
I am an eternal optimist, and I know we will get through this challenging time together. We have
always been a great district, and this extraordinary community just continues to show how amazing
people do amazing things.
Stay healthy, and I will continue to look forward to our return to school at some point in the
future. I miss everyone.
My best,
Mark Guterl
Mark Guterl
Superintendent of Schools

Regional Coalition Requests a Direct Cash Assistance Program of At Least $100 Billion in Response to Financial Impact of COVID-19

March 20, 2020

TRENTON – As part of a coordinated regional effort to combat COVID-19, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today urged the federal government to consider a fiscal stimulus in the form of a direct cash assistance program to provide an immediate financial infusion to all four states to help cover costs related to COVID-19 response operations. The four governors – whose states collectively represent 16 percent of the United States economy – made the request in a letter issued to President Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.The Governors emphasized that the financial impact of the aggressive mitigation efforts implemented this week will result in billions of dollars in lost revenue and unprecedented budgetary hardships without direct federal intervention. The letter estimates that for the four states alone, the direct cash assistance must total at least $100 billion to account for the fiscal challenges ahead of state budget deadlines.‘We owe an enormous debt to the relief efforts and resources that our federal partners have already provided,” wrote Governors Murphy, Cuomo, Lamont, and Wolf. “But our challenges are expanding daily and just beginning. Our states have all stepped up to take unprecedented action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and do all we can to flatten the curve. We implore you to consider the devastating impact these efforts will have on our states – and millions of our residents – both in the immediate term and the months to come.”A copy of the coalition’s letter can be found here.

ADVERTISEMENT: CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
ADVERTISEMENT: CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

West Windsor Township Health Department COVID-19 Investigation Update

March 20, 2020

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–West Windsor Health Department is reporting 3 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the Township’s total to 4 residents. Public health investigations are actively underway and potential contacts will be notified. Our investigations have found that a symptomatic person positive for the illness attended a local gym. The facility has been notified by the Lawrence Township Health Department and management is in the process of contacting the membership directly. The individual attended the New Jersey Athletic Club located at 4152 Quakerbridge Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 between the hours of 4 pm and 7:30 pm on March 9th, 11th, and 12th .

The purpose of this notification is to increase awareness to potential contacts, to encourage selfmonitoring for symptoms and isolation from those most at risk to serious health outcomes. This report reinforces the importance for those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly to stay at home. As more cases are observed in New Jersey, we are urging all people to practice social distancing.

The public is advised to practice social distancing, avoid crowds and take every day preventative steps to protect themselves and others. It is very important to stay home when you are ill and avoid others with symptoms. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue or sleeve. If you become ill, you must call the doctor or hospital before you go. Wear a mask, if available.

Everyone and every organization must do their part to help prevent the spread of this virus. Working together as a team we can help lessen the impact of this outbreak on our local community.

For more information, visit the West Windsor Township website at http://www.westwindsornj.org or the New Jersey Department of Health website at http://www.nj.gov/health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov .

Reminder Of Possible Coronavirus Scams

March 20, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Township Police have put a notice out to remind people of potential scams in relation the COVID-19 situation.

The Center of Disease Control, CDC is not going door to door testing people, be aware of e-mail and phone call scams, do not give personal information, the government will not be calling you about your personal relief check for $1,000 and they do not need your bank account number or anything related. Do not allow strangers in your home unless they have official ID and if you are unsure notify the police department right away.

This is similar advice as given per Robbinsville Township Police when it was reported that around March 9, 2020 someone was going door to door posing as the CDC. See previous article here

Don’t forget report any suspicious activity to the police department right away do not wait.

Murphy Administration Announces Waiver of Fees for COVID-19 Testing Services For Uninsured

March 20, 2020

TRENTON – To ensure that individuals who are uninsured have access to testing for COVID-19, the Murphy Administration today required hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to waive patient fees for testing and related diagnostic services for those who lack health insurance.
In communication to the New Jersey Hospital Association and the New Jersey Primary Care Association, which includes 23 FQHCs with more than 120 satellite locations, New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said that the cost for testing and diagnosis should not be a barrier for any of New Jersey’s residents.
“Every single New Jerseyan with symptoms must have access to COVID-19 testing if we are going to end this crisis,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Waiving testing fees for the uninsured is a critical step in allowing us to prevent more New Jerseyans from being infected and to identify those who already have been infected so they can get the care they need.”
“In order to remove barriers to testing for COVID-19, the Department of Health is issuing guidance today to hospitals and FQHCS to provide testing for COVID-19 to any resident of New Jersey who is not currently insured and who is not eligible for Medicaid. The hospitals and the FQHCs should instead charge the State for these costs through existing Charity Care programs” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
In the memo to the New Jersey Hospital Association, Commissioner Persichilli said hospitals will be able to submit claims for reimbursement to the charity care program, which provides subsidies to hospitals for care they provide to the uninsured. The FQHCs will be able to submit claims to the Uncompensated Care Fund.  

ADVERTISEMENT: SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
ADVERTISEMENT: SAVE 20% ON CBD PRODUCTS FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS CLICK HERE at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.

Hamilton Township Reports New Case of COVID-19

March 20. 2020

Hamilton, NJ – This morning, the Communicable Disease Reporting and Surveillance System (CDRSS) alerted the Hamilton Township Health Department that we have one (1) new positive COVID-19 case, bringing the total cases to three (3) in town. Additionally, there are eight (8) residents who have test results pending. The new positive case is a 63-year-old male who is currently in the hospital, but doing well.  The other two residents that have tested positive for COVID-19 are self-isolating at home, and recovering well.

While many members of the public have questioned where the individuals who have tested positive work and locations they have frequented, this information is protected by confidentiality laws (HIPAA) and prevent the Township from releasing certain details to the public.  Please know that our Health Department has been diligently working to conduct comprehensive investigations for each positive case. Anyone who was in close or direct contact with the individuals who have tested positive is contacted by the Health Department to inform them that they have been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Given that certain individuals may not exhibit symptoms within the first few days of having COVID-19, we advise all residents to operate with the assumption that when you leave your home, that anyone could have COVID-19. Because of this, it is absolutely necessary to practice physical distancing at all times.  Remember to maintain a distance of about 6 feet from others, avoided crowded public places, practice every day prevention measures like frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.

We know that staying at home and limited physical interaction is difficult, but is a critical part in doing everything we can now to flatten the curve to keep people safe and save lives. We know that COVID-19 can have very serious consequences for our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, and ask that you keep them in mind in the coming days and weeks. We will get through this together and we will be stronger for it. 

For general questions about COVID-19 please contact the New Jersey Department of Health’s call center at 1-800-962-1253. The call center is open 24/7 and has multi-language capacity.

ADVERTISEMENT: Get some JUST CBD for yourself and your pets with a 20% discount at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.
ADVERTISEMENT: Get some JUST CBD for yourself and your pets with a 20% discount at Buy CBD Online – CBD Oil, Gummies, Vapes. Use coupon code dennis during checkout.