May 7, 2020 - Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 138 extending the Public Health Emergency declared on March 9. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed. 

Executive Order No. 138 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Washington Township Health Department, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health, has reported one new case today bringing the number to 99 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Washington Township through May 6, 2020; 11 deaths have been reported and 27 cases have been confirmed as released from isolation. 

On a call with other Mayors yesterday, we were told to expect guidance from the Governor's office regarding graduations soon. The HS graduation and 8th grade promotion ceremonies can not be planned until guidance from the Governor's office is received.

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. 

In case you missed it earlier this week:

• The tennis courts at Rock Spring are open.  Limited parking is open at the park. Please observe social distancing and do not park in restricted areas (grass or closed parking lots). 

• The Township Committee will hold a special online meeting tonight, May 7 at 7 p.m. to discuss extension of the second quarter property tax grace period. Login info is on the calendar on www.wtmorris.org 

Stay safe,

Mayor Matthew T. Murello