May 30, 2020 - There are two new confirmed covid-19 positive cases to report, for a total of 115.  Twelve deaths have been reported; 59 cases have been confirmed as released from isolation.

The Governor is now allowing in-person graduations with certain required precautionary measures as of July 6. The Washington Township School District is planning an eight grade promotion ceremony before that date and West Morris High School is planning an in person graduation ceremony for after that date. I met with the WMCHS Principal and the Township’s Police, Health and emergency coordinators yesterday regarding the high school ceremony and more information will be forthcoming from the school districts.

I want to thank The Assistant Commissioner of the NJDEP and the Director of the office of Local Government Assistance for meeting with me to discuss our concerns at Hacklebarney. They agreed to not allow walk-ins on high traffic days and they also will only be requiring masks in indoor spaces in the park. The “No Parking” signs will remain on the local roads for now. The bathrooms will also be reopened but they will only allow 50% of the park’s capacity into the park, per the Governor’s order.

Governor Murphy also announced the following can resume over the next several weeks if they follow health and safety safeguards:

Child care centers can reopen 6/15

Non-contact organized sports activities can restart 6/22

Youth day camps, including municipal summer rec programs, can begin 7/6

As details are provided we will share them. The DPW Buildings and Grounds crew has been maintaining our parks including the fields, so we will be ready.

A state COVID-19 Short-Term Rental Assistance Program was announced yesterday. The program will provide rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income as a result of the pandemic, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. More information is available on our COVID-19 portal at:

https://www.wtmorris.org/index.php/departments/health/covid-19.html

As a reminder, if you’re sick, call your healthcare provider. Call your doctor’s office or hospital FIRST before driving there. If you call 9-1-1 for a true emergency, please cover your face to protect yourself and our first responders. Follow CDC guidelines and stay home as much as possible:

• Wear a cloth mask at grocery stores, parks and golf courses and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid handshakes. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hand).

• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season. 

Stay safe,

Mayor Matthew T. Murello