April 5, 2020
Coronavirus Update #23
Dear Resident,
I posted a Facebook video on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, a scheduling conflict and we presented a taped video in its place. The video can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/marlborotownship/ This email contains the information presented in the video.
I remind residents that many of the questions you may have can be found on prior updates sent via email and posted on social media and remain on the website ‘Alerts and Actions’ scroll or on the Official Township Facebook page.
The state COVID19 hub, www.covid19.nj.gov has a wealth of information regarding testing sites, symptoms checks, information for businesses and individuals in need of support, jobs available throughout the state, as well as Executive Order guidelines and ongoing state testing stats. To receive text updates from the state, text ‘NJCOVID’ to 898-211.
Thank you to everyone who is practicing social distance. I know this is hard, that the kids are bored, that Marlboro is a social town and we miss going out and seeing our friends. But the more we comply, the faster we will get past this. The Marlboro restaurant list continues to be updated and is available on the township website homepage. Ordering in, buying gift cards for future use. This makes a huge difference to their ability to return to business as usual when this state of emergency is over. If you know of a restaurant that is open and not on our list, please call them and ask them to send an email to .
TESTING
As of today at 1:00pm, the State reports 37,505 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey and 917 deaths.
Of these cases, Monmouth County reported 2,354 cases and 58 deaths. Marlboro Township has 193 confirmed cases and two residents have lost their lives to this disease.
As per Executive Order 114, all US flags are to be flown at half-staff until further notice in recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and have been affected by COVID-19. Read the full EO HERE.
Testing Sites:
There are three types of testing sites:
- Community-based testing sites - These sites are open to all New Jerseyans who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness
- County testing sites - These sites may be restricted to residents or first responders of a specific county. Some also require an appointment and/or prescription from a healthcare provider.
- Private testing sites - To access testing at these sites, you must contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
Hours, access and locations can be found on the COVID-19 state website and is linked HERE.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Many residents have reached out and asked how they can help. I am always grateful for our residents who want to give back when others are in need.
Blood Donations - Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced that blood donation drives can continue in order to meet the critical medical needs of New Jersey residents. In order to operate, blood drives must undertake appropriate mitigation efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including incorporating social distancing where practicable. If you are in good health and feeling well, please contact New Jersey Blood Services, or the American Red Cross and make an appointment to give. More HERE.
Food Banks – There are more of our neighbors in need and fewer donations to Fulfill, our local food bank. We are proud to announce that Marlboro Food Bank collection is underway. Touchless collection containers for non-perishable food are located in the vestibule of Town Hall 24/7 and the recreation center from Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. Items most in need is on the FLYER HERE and posted on the township FB page and website.
STATE UPDATE
- Anyone with prior medical experience is asked to volunteer by going to covid19.nj.gov/volunteer to join the more than 7,500 people who have already signed up.
- The unemployment on-line and phone services are understandably overwhelmed. Please have patience with the delays in the unemployment process. Everyone will get the benefits they are entitled to.
- The Jobs portal at jobs.covid19.nj.gov has more than 44,000 job listings from more than 540 employers.
- You can “Ask a Scientist” on covid19.nj.gov where you can submit a question directly to an expert and get an email response.
- More than 16,000 businesses have applied for up to $5,000 small business grants (10 employees or less); “way oversubscribed”; reviewing them and will make recommendations by the end of next week
- Zero interest loan program up to $100,000 for companies under $5M in revenue; applications will be published on Monday, April 6 and then they will be accepted on Monday, April 13
- Paycheck Protection Program nationwide program opened last week, a national program for small businesses
- Please visit covid19.nj.gov for information, applications, and eligibility.
Face Masks – The first and most important measure you should take protect yourself and others from COVID-19 remains to stay at home and to follow social distancing guidelines. If you must leave your home the CDC has recommended the use of cloth face coverings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals can spread the virus. The mask is to prevent you from spreading the virus to others.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical or N95 masks to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders who are caring for the sick. If you have these products in your home, please donate them to the county or through the state website.
Cloth face coverings can be made at home from common materials like scarves or bandanas. A simple cloth face covering should cover the nose and mouth.
Wearing a simple cloth face covering is not a replacement for social distancing and does not exempt anyone from social distancing requirements.
Instructions to make a homemade mask, how to use and wear can be found on the CDC HERE.
TOWNSHIP UPDATES
Hydrant Flushing - In light of the State of Emergency and in lieu of the normal Spring Hydrant Flushing Program, the MTWUD will be performing safety tests on each of the hydrants within the system to ensure that the hydrants are working properly and all maintenance related issues are recorded. During this work there will be no effect on pressure or water quality. The work is expected to last approximately 4 weeks with completion on/or about mid-May. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call (732) 536 – 0188.
Township Bulk Curbside Pickup – Spring Curbside Bulk collection will happen but it will be delayed. Due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, the Township’s bulk trash contractor is unable to perform the service beginning in April as scheduled. The pick-up will be rescheduled and communicated via email, posted on the website and sent via SWIFT 911 once the State of Emergency is lifted and / or distancing restrictions are relaxed.
Zoom Setup Assistance - Marlboro’s Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) has offered to remotely help anyone who would like to use ZOOM on their home computer, laptop, or phone, but does not know how to download or install the ZOOM app. ZOOM is an effective and safe way for people to stay connected during the home containment period because it allows you to see and communicate with your friends, neighbors, and family. If you would like one of our TAC teens to call you and help set this up, please e-mail Deputy Mayor Larry Rosen at .
Grocery Stores & Restaurants – Thank you to all the residents who have been supporting our local restaurants and grocery stores. We need each other now more than ever! Don’t forget that purchasing gift cards gives local businesses a welcome boost in this difficult time. The link to restaurants and stores is updated as needed. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, please ask them to contact us at
RESTAURANT OPTIONS
SUPERMARKET/GROCERY STORES
CLOSING
I want to remind residents that Coronavirus scams are on the rise. Most recently residents are reporting calls purporting to be from the IRS asking for personal information such as bank accounts and social security numbers needed to deposit your stimulus check. The IRS does not need this information as your checks are deposited automatically. Never give out personal information of any kind on the phone, via text or email.
This week is spring break for our local schools. Many of you had plans for religious services, travel and visiting family and friends. For those that observe, today is Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. Passover and Easter shortly follow. These holidays like so many other things will not be as we planned but that does not mean they cannot be meaningful. Please join me for a FB live on Tuesday evening at 6pm as we gather together virtually to honor our religious observances and the diversity that brings us together.
Mayor Jon Hornik