March 26, 2020

Coronavirus Update #19

Dear Resident,

My first Coronavirus message to you was sent on March 3rd, twenty-three days ago. Our day to day lives are very different here in Marlboro, throughout New Jersey and the United States since that first message. Vital information is contained in my prior 18 messages and they remain on the ‘Alerts & Actions’ scroll on the Township website. Important phone numbers and websites are easily found on the home page in a photo scroll.

Our Township is lucky to have a vibrant and active senior population. The recreation programs they attended daily, visits with friends and family are all on hold as their age alone makes them vulnerable. Many are now home alone and isolated. Many thanks to Senior Program Director, Heidi Pincus, who, along with recreation staff, have contacted over 150 senior citizens in last 3 days. They are all are very thankful for the contact and the social connection. Approximately 15 seniors have been referred to Councilman Cantor and Dr. Eric Hibbs ‘Marlboro Cares’ food delivery program. Yesterday, Marlboro Recreation announced ‘Marlboro Connect’ virtual pen-pal program linking the generations. This program is especially important for residents of any age that are isolated. Please consider participating in this creative way to stay in touch. For more email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As of this afternoon, there are 506 positive cases of COVID-19 on Monmouth County. The statewide total is 6,876. Daily updates are made to the NJ COVID-19 Dashboard. Today, the Department of Health released new guidelines for outpatient medical providers who are evaluating patients for COVID-19. In most cases, testing is not recommended for non-symptomatic residents. Please check with your provider.

PLEASE NOTE NEW PNC TESTING SITE SCHEDULE: On Saturday, March 28 the PNC Arts Center Testing site will only accept symptomatic health care works and first responders. On Sunday, March 29, the sites will move to a new schedule which will be posted on covid19.nj.gov. Starting Saturday, April 4 and every Saturday to follow the PNC testing site will be dedicated to symptomatic health care workers and first responders with valid credentials only.

For the safety of patients and the medical providers, Governor Murphy announced new departmental actions to ensure that residents have access to telehealth and tele-mental health services for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Business owners who are looking to hire can post their jobs on the NJ posting board . Residents in need of employment should visit the NJ Hiring Portal.

We have many local small business owners that are in need of economic relief. Currently, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and the SBA Express Bridge Loans are available for assistance. For guidance, please visit the Small Business Administration Guidance & Loan Resources page. Additional information for NJ Businesses can be found on the Business.NJ.Gov website. Updates are being released often, so please check back.

Information changes very quickly as more relief and guidance comes from the federal government and the state. Most questions specific to New Jersey residents and business owners are answered on the NJ Covid-19 information Hub.

A reminder, for those that have access to Facebook, I post a video update several times a week. You can find us at @marlborotownship. Of course, I will continue to keep you up to date via email and posting on the Township website.

Mayor Jon Hornik