Day: April 2, 2020

Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Authorizing Commandeering of Property Such as Medical Supplies

April 2, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 113, authorizing the New Jersey State Director of Emergency Management to use the Governor’s full authority under the Disaster Control Act to commandeer personal services and/or real or personal property.  This includes medical supplies and equipment from private companies and institutions in order to help meet the continued need for ventilators and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the State in hospitals, health care facilities, and emergency response agencies due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.“We must continue to take action to meet the critical medical needs of our hospitals and medical centers during this pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “While we look forward to these facilities cooperating in providing this equipment, this order gives the Office of Emergency Management the express authority to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that supplies go to where they are most needed.”Executive Order No. 113 authorizes New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan, the State Director of Emergency Management, to take or use resources from private sources in order to address the continued pressing public health concern presented by COVID-19. This authority shall be exercised in consultation with the Department of Health. The Order also states that compensation for such takings will be provided by the procedures established under the Disaster Control Act.”It is our responsibility to ensure that heath care professionals in dire need of personal protective equipment are our first priority, because they are the heroes on the front lines, providing life-saving care to the sick,” said Colonel Callahan. “We will continue to work cooperatively with our partners at the Department of Health to determine where these critical resources are best allocated.”Executive Order No. 113 builds on direction in Executive Order No. 109—signed on March 23, 2020—mandating that all businesses and non-hospital health care facilities submit an inventory to the State of PPE, ventilators, respirators, and anesthesia machines in their possession. Today’s executive order also builds on direction in Executive Order No. 111—signed on March 28, 2020—requiring health care facilities to report data concerning their capacity and supplies to the State on a daily basis, including data relating to bed capacity, ventilators, and PPE.To read Executive Order No. 113, click here. 

Governor Phil Murphy official headshot in Trenton, N.J. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017. (Governor’s Office/Tim Larsen)
New Egypt, Ocean County, Plumsted, Plumsted Twp

Plumsted Township: Message From Mayor Herb Marinari

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Message From Mayor

April 2, 2020

Dear Plumsted Township Residents,

It’s with a very heavy heart that I write this message to you. I’ve received word from county officials that Plumsted Township has lost its first resident to COVID-19. By policy, the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) does not release individual information about those who test positive. So, I have no further information other than we’ve lost one of our own. As a tight-knit community, I’m sure you share my sadness at this news. I’m sure you join me in sending your prayers and deepest condolences to the grieving loved ones of this individual.

The seriousness of this virus takes on new significance when it strikes so close to home. I’m grateful to those of you who have been honoring the “Stay at Home” order. Thank you for responsibly practicing social distancing. I understand how difficult it is to be separated from the friends and family we love. I also understand that some of you have no choice but to be out because you’re part of the front line that provides essential services to others. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the sacrifices you’re making to keep others healthy and safe.

Those sacrifices are making a difference. To date, we’ve had only four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Plumsted Township. Yes, in the coming days, we may see that number rise, as drive-thru testing is now available for residents at the new Ocean County Community College Testing Center. But I, my fellow Township Committeemen, and our township staff are committed to doing all we can to keep that number as low as possible. Our police, fire, and emergency services personnel are equally committed to your care.

Yesterday, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department issued a Nixle alert informing all Ocean County residents to stay off the roads unless you need to make a necessary food trip, you need medical attention, or you are an essential worker. It’s imperative that we work together to honor the temporary restrictions that have been put in place for our safety.

This situation will pass faster if we cooperate with our officials. Now is not the time to take an “every man for himself” approach. Now is the time to love our neighbors as ourselves. Even if you believe you are healthy, please stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary. We don’t want to risk losing another Plumsted Township resident. Each family is just too important.

Thank you,

Mayor Herb Marinari
Plumsted Township

Other Towns

Governor Murphy Tours Field Medical Station at Meadowlands Exposition Center

April 2, 2020

Press Pool Coverage From Governor’s Office

Story by: Dustin Racioppi Statehouse reporter – northjersey.com

Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez spent about 20 minutes Thursday touring the state’s first field hospital in response to the coronavirus and thanked the state troopers and Army Corps of Engineers for their speedy work that they said would save lives.The 250-bed hospital at the Meadowlands Exposition Center should be ready to take non-COVID-19 patients Monday, said Col. Patrick Callahan, superintendent of the State Police. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus.Murphy called it an “extraordinary effort” to build the hospital.“Of course, this is only the end of the beginning as opposed to the beginning of the end,” Murphy said to a room of workers. “God bless you all and thank you for everything you’ve done to get this going.”Menendez, who led the effort to get the hospital as well as two others under construction, in Edison and Atlantic City, told the workers, “we’re hopefully going to save lives.”The field hospital will serve as a “step-down” facility for patients that would otherwise go to area hospitals to alleviate pressure on them. However, Callahan said the field hospital could be ramped up for intensive care use.“It’s rudimentary,” Callahan said, “but the care will be the same as every hospital in the state of New Jersey.”Rows of one-bed units are set up in blocks inside the exposition center. The beds look similar to Army cots and each has a white curtain for privacy. Murphy, looking inside one of the units, said it looks like a “very basic setup.” Workers also outfitted the center with a temporary pharmacy, showers, sinks, toilets, nurse’s station and break room for health care workers.Major Gen. Jeffrey Milhorn, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division, called the field hospital a “simple solution to a complex situation.”The Army Corps worked with the State Police to build the hospital over the last seven or eight days, Callahan said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Guard and health officials also worked on the hospital to ensure it met federal specifications. Millhorn gave much of the credit for the build-out of the hospital to State Troopers.“We’re just enablers,” Millhorn said. “We want to enable you to move fastest by providing the ICU capability and acute care in the existing hospital footprints.”The other two field hospitals should be ready to open soon, Callahan said, though he did not have firm dates. A fourth hospital that was planned to open in Monmouth County was instead folded into the project under construction in Edison and will hold 500 beds, he said.“We expand capacity and we pray every day that we don’t need it,” Menendez said.On his way out of the tour, Murphy praised Millhorn and his team.“At some point when I can I’m going to give you a hug, but I can’t do that today,” Murphy said.

  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 – Preparations are underway in the new Field Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tours the new Field Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tours the new Field Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, joined by Major General Jeffrey Milhorn, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ North Atlantic Division; Lieutenant Colonel David Park, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District; and Colonel Pat Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. In foreground clockwise from left, Colonel David Park, Major General Jeffrey Milhorn, Governor Phil Murphy, Colonel Pat Callahan. Senator Robert Menendez, . (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 – Preparations are underway in the new Field Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gestures after finishing a tour of the new Field Medical Station at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Governor’s Office Press Pool Coverage: Photos by Michael Mancuso NJ.com NJ Advance Media
Burlington, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Trenton

Over 1 Million In World, USA 244k, Confirmed Cases In NJ Over 25k

April 2, 2020

10 pm update

Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker There is now over 1 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world the tracker at last update of 8:42 pm. 1,014,673 confirmed cases in the world with 52,973 deaths worldwide. In the United States 244,678 cases in the USA and 5,911 fatalities.

reporting 981,221 in the World, 226,374 in the USA. Over 50,000 people have died worldwide and 5,316 have died in the USA from COVID-19.

In New Jersey: (Monmouth and Ocean local information will be updated when it becomes available usually after 4 pm.)

We have 3,489 new positive #COVID19 cases, bringing our total to 25,590.
• Atlantic: 50
• Bergen: 4,099
• Burlington: 294
• Camden: 343
• Cape May: 34
• Cumberland: 31
• Essex: 2,617
• Gloucester: 169
• Hudson: 2,270
• Hunterdon: 130
• Mercer: 386
• Middlesex: 1,766
• Monmouth: 1,458
• Morris: 1,082
• Ocean: 1,371
• Passaic: 1,750
• Salem: 20
• Somerset: 549
• Sussex: 179
• Union: 2,010
• Warren: 116
• Under Investigation: 4,866

NJ Fatalities due to COVID-19:

We’ve lost another 182 New Jerseyans to COVID-19, bringing our total to 537 deaths. 537 reasons to stay home and do your part to #FlattenTheCurve.
• Atlantic: 1
• Bergen: 120
• Burlington: 8
• Camden: 6
• Cumberland: 1
• Essex: 99
• Gloucester: 2
• Hudson: 44
• Mercer: 4
• Middlesex: 48
• Monmouth: 38
• Morris: 40
• Ocean: 38
• Passaic: 22
• Salem: 1
• Somerset: 17
• Sussex: 7
• Union: 34
• Warren: 3
• Unknown: 4

As of 1:00 PM, COVID-19 statewide stats:
• Positive Tests: 25,590
• Deaths: 537

For updates: covid19.nj.gov

Monmouth County has 1,482 positive cases 
of COVID-19

FREEHOLD, NJ –Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley have announced that, as of April 2, there are 1,482 positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County.

“It is so important to remember that the best defense we have against COVID-19 is social distancing,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “No matter where you are, you should be practicing social distancing, whether you are at work, a grocery store, getting takeout, outside taking a walk or riding a bike and even in your homes. We need everyone to do their part to help slow the spread.”

The breakdown by municipality is as follows:

  • Aberdeen: 43
  • Allentown: 1
  • Asbury Park: 24
  • Atlantic Highlands: 8
  • Avon-by-the-Sea: 3
  • Belmar: 4
  • Bradley Beach: 7
  • Brielle: 10
  • Colts Neck: 23
  • Deal: 7
  • Eatontown: 47
  • Englishtown: 7
  • Fair Haven: 13
  • Farmingdale: 6
  • Freehold Borough: 15
  • Freehold Township: 111
  • Hazlet: 59
  • Highlands: 6
  • Holmdel: 55
  • Howell: 116
  • Keansburg: 30
  • Keyport: 10
  • Lake Como: 4
  • Little Silver: 17
  • Loch Arbour: 1
  • Long Branch: 55
  • Manalapan: 130
  • Manasquan: 14
  • Marlboro: 110
  • Matawan: 33
  • Middletown: 137
  • Millstone: 14
  • Monmouth Beach: 5
  • Neptune City: 9
  • Neptune Township: 66
  • Ocean: 54
  • Oceanport: 18
  • Red Bank: 29
  • Rumson: 19
  • Sea Bright: 2
  • Sea Girt: 5
  • Shrewsbury Borough: 16
  • Shrewsbury Township: 3
  • Spring Lake: 5
  • Spring Lake Heights: 7
  • Tinton Falls: 27
  • Union Beach: 1
  • Upper Freehold: 15
  • Wall: 55
  • West Long Branch: 19

The Freeholders remind residents to fill out the 2020 Census by going to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to make sure everyone in their household is counted. The Census count determines how New Jersey is represented in Congress and directly impacts federal funding.

The Freeholders also remind residents that Monmouth County’s healthcare workers and first responders are in desperate need of personal protective equipment which has become increasingly scarce due to the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

Donations of personal protective equipment items are being accepted at Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, in Lincroft, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 3. For additional information, or to arrange the drop-off of personal protective equipment, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312.

Monmouth County news updates and information regarding the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.

Covid-19 Total Cases (1408) In Ocean County:

Total as of Thursday, 4/2/2020 at 2:00 pm

Effective as of March 28, 2020, the data represented below identifies the municipality or mailing address which was self-reported by the resident at the time of testing. It may not necessarily represent the municipality of residence.

Town NameNumber of Cases
Barnegat39
Barnegat Light2
Bay Head2
Beach Haven4
Beachwood12
Berkeley91
Brick139
Eagleswood0
Harvey Cedars0
Island Heights2
Jackson120
Lacey37
Lakehurst3
Lakewood524
Lavallette3
Little Egg Harbor10
Long Beach Township5
Manchester72
Mantoloking0
Ocean Gate0
Ocean Twp. (Waretown)4
Pine Beach0
Plumsted4
Point Pleasant Beach4
Point Pleasant Borough48
Seaside Heights6
Seaside Park2
Ship Bottom4
South Toms River17
Surf City4
Stafford29
Toms River221
Tuckerton0
Total Positive Cases: 1408
East Windsor, East Windsor, Hamilton, Hamilton, Hightstown-East Windsor, Mercer County, Robbinsville

Neighboring Mercer County Municipalities and Greenhill Pharmacy Partner to Secure Medication for COVID-19 Positive Patients

April 2, 2020

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (April 2, 2020) – Greenhill Pharmacy has partnered with East Windsor Township, Robbinsville Township and Hamilton Township to provide Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate, in combination with the antibiotic Zithromax, to treat COVID-19 (coronavirus) positive patients throughout Mercer County at no cost beginning Friday, April 3, 2020.

The FDA issued an emergency-use authorization for this combination of drugs for treatment and mitigation of the impacts of COVID-19. In lockstep with Governor Phil Murphy’s order, only individuals who have tested positive according to the State’s guidelines and have a prescription from their doctor can obtain the course of treatment. Hydroxychloroquine must be …

1. Prescribed for the treatment of COVID-19
2. Supported by a positive test result AND documented on the hard copy prescription
3. Limited to a 14-day supply

The current supply will be allocated to local hospitals, residents of Mercer County (with or without insurance) and first-responders. Greenhill Pharmacy will coordinate contactless delivery via pharmacy staff or courier free to all patients. The prescription will be delivered via courier after prior arrangements are made with the patient and/or their caretaker. In order to best verify and expedite the process, your doctor should send the prescription to Greenhill Pharmacy electronically. The East Windsor-based pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Doctors and hospitals can contact the pharmacy at info@wilmingtonrx.com. 

“Thank you to Greenhill Pharmacy for not only helping Robbinsville, Hamilton and East Windsor, but all of Mercer County as we push forward together through this crisis,” Mayor Dave Fried said. “We are doing everything we possibly can to minimize the damage in this war against a potent, invisible enemy.”

As of Wednesday, April 1, 2020 a total of 333 people had tested positive for COVID-19 in Mercer County, resulting in three deaths.

“We are extremely grateful to Greenhill Pharmacy in East Windsor, always a pro- active local caring company, which once again has stepped up as our partner in this vital effort to help our communities at this critical time,” East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov said.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).

Mercer County opened the testing center at Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrence Tuesday by appointment-only for symptomatic residents age 18 or older who have a prescription from their primary health care provider (PCP). If you are symptomatic for COVID-19 and wish to be tested, contact your PCP. If you are not symptomatic (i.e. fever 100.4 or greater and without a prescription) you likely will be turned away from the test site.

“On behalf of everyone in Hamilton, I want to thank Greenhill Pharmacy as well as East Windsor and Robbinsville Townships for their partnership in our joint effort to fight COVID-19 and help the residents in our extended communities,” Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin said.  

Mercer County, Trenton

ALS and BLS Re-certification Extended Until August 31, 2020

April 2, 2020

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Some have asked about the June 30, 2020 EMT re-certification deadline. Those have been extended until August 31, 2020.

Ed Note: If you have not completed the three required refresher classes for EMT BLS- A, B and C good luck finding a class prior to August 31, 2020. Hopefully you have completed them, but many wait until the last minute.

See documents below about the re-certification date extension.

Certificate of Waiver For ALS and BLS re-certifications extending them until August 31, 2020
Sports

NJSIAA Releases Statement On Spring Sports Season

April 2, 2020

Read statement here

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–While a return-to-school date and related public health guidelines will determine the viability of a spring sports season, NJSIAA is committed to doing whatever is possible to provide New Jersey’s student-athletes with some type of spring season. We have not given up on spring sports, and will continue holding teleconferences and virtual meetings with leaders of our various leagues and conferences to assess options. To be clear, any effort to arrange for scholastic competition outside the traditional academic calendar would require support and approval beyond our office.

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Hamilton Township Police Officer Of The Year

April 2, 2020

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–James M. Stevens, Chief of Police and the entire Hamilton Police Division would like congratulate the 2020 Hank Leverence Police Officer of the Year, Hamilton Township Police Officer Matthew Mayhew #451.

Officer Mayhew, son of retired Officer Dave Barlow, is a 11 year veteran of the Hamilton Police Division. Officer Mayhew has always been a highly motivated officer earning numerous acclamations for jobs well done. Officer Mayhew has been a Field Training Officer, training new officers as they begin their careers. Officer Mayhew is currently assigned to the Anti-Crime Unit, which is tasked with handling longer investigations of narcotic violations, violent crimes and property crime investigations. Officer Mayhew also serves in the Hamilton Honor Guard and Hazmat Team.

Outside of work Matt is a loving husband and father. He is regularly involved in activities with his church and through out our community. He volunteers to deliver Thanksgiving Meals to the homeless, is an assistant Cub Scout Leader, and coaches soccer and wrestling. Matt raises money for The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation which builds smarts homes for severely injured military families. Matt is also a yearly member of the PBA 66 Polar Bear Plunge Team that raises money for the Special Olympics.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, sadly the Kiwanis club of Hamilton had to postpose the event which was scheduled in May. The New date will be October 24th, 2020, located at the Hibernians club on Kuser Road at 6:30pm. If you are interested in attending please contact Lorraine Porcella at Lporcella@optonline.net for invitations and further information.

Please help us congratulate Officer Mayhew for receiving this high honor!