Over the last week, the daily lives of Fanwoodians have changed dramatically. Today Governor Murphy announced 442 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state for a total of 1,327 statewide including 38 in Union County.
There is also one additional case in Fanwood. The 71-year-old male patient is recovering at home and is not connected to other cases. The individual has been interviewed and has had no contact outside of his household.
The Borough is unable to provide identifying information about any of the confirmed cases, as it would be a violation of patient privacy laws. We can assure you that each case was contacted and interviewed by our health department and all confirmed contacts have been made aware. I would like to remind you that the Borough is taking every action we can to ensure the health and safety of our residents and employees.
As of 9 pm tonight, the Governor’s latest executive order will go into effect. The order will prohibit all gatherings and close all non-essential businesses. The order also mandates that residents remain at home except when accessing essential services. More information is at covid19.nj.gov.
I ask every individual to do their part by staying home, practicing social distancing and maintaining pandemic-grade hygiene. To ensure compliance and help prevent the spread of the virus, the Borough’s skate park and playgrounds are off-limits. Residents are still able to be outside and enjoy a walk, run, or other activity as long as they are compliant with social distancing.
These are incredibly stressful times for everyone. Social distancing can be emotionally challenging, as can coping with a disease outbreak and economic worries. If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling a helpline has been set up at 877-294-HELP (4357). I encourage residents to maintain regular communications with friends, family, and neighbors. If you are concerned about the welfare of a resident, the Fanwood Police Department can conduct a non-emergency welfare check (details below). Thankfully we live in a world where technology connects us despite social distancing and we must rely on one another for support during this difficult time.
State Orders Residents to ‘Stay Home’ and Closes Non-Essential Businesses
To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect the capacity of New Jersey’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 107, directing all residents to stay at home until further notice. The order provides for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work, or engaging in outdoor activities. This means that all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are canceled.
All non-essential retail businesses, which were previously limited to between 5 am and 8 pm, must now close entirely (online delivery can continue). The list of essential retail businesses that can stay open is limited to the following:
2) Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
3) Medical supply stores;
5) Convenience stores;
6) Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
7) Hardware and home improvement stores;
8) Banks and other financial institutions;
9) Laundromats/dry-cleaning services;
10) Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years old;
11) Pet stores;
12) Liquor stores;
13) Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
14) Printing and office supply shops;
15) Mail and delivery stores.Nothing in the Order shall limit 1) the provision of health care or medical services; 2) access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; 3) the operations of the media; 4) law enforcement agencies, or 5) the operations of the federal government.
Additionally, the order mandates that all businesses or non-profits, wherever practicable, must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home arrangements.
