May 1, 2020 - There are no additional confirmed COVID-19 positive cases to report today. There are four additional confirmed cases released from isolation and sadly one additional death in a previously confirmed case reported.

The Governor has granted municipalities the authority to extend the grace period for May 1 property taxes. However, authority to extend the deadline for paying the school districts and county their second quarter tax levy has not been granted. The grace period currently ends May 11. The Township is in contact with officials at the school districts and county regarding the possible extension of deadlines and the grace period while ensuring those entities can fulfill their financial obligations. We have so far received mixed responses, but I am hopeful that after having a weekend to consider the potential to provide some relief to taxpayers, albeit temporary, during the current public health emergency, some of those officials will be more willing to discuss doing so in a responsible manner and the committee can consider an extension.

Yesterday, Governor Murphy signed an executive order yesterday opening state parks for passive recreation on May 2. As of late yesterday, the county planned on opening the following county parks and trails in Washington Township for passive recreation: https://tinyurl.com/y94tvhoe 

No organized sports or picnicking is allowed at parks and parking lots will be limited to 50% capacity and parking in undesignated areas prohibited. Washington Township parks have remained open for passive recreation and parking capacity has previously been reduced.The Township has contacted the county regarding limiting parking to the Columbia Trail to prevent overcrowding. I recommend trying some of our paved municipal walking trails instead. More info is available under recreation announcements on the wtmorris.net (thank you to our IT specialist for the trail videos).

With that being said, here are a few reminders for those who missed them:

Consistent with Paragraph 5 of Executive Order No.107 (2020), gatherings of individuals, including in parks, remain prohibited. 

Golf courses have also been allowed to re-open. Visitors to parks and golf courses must practice social distancing and stay six feet apart wherever practicable, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners and should wear cloth face coverings in all settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, or where the individual is under two years of age.

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