3/12/20 Press Release Regarding COVID-19

TEANECK PRESS RELEASE

March 12, 2020

  To:       All Township Residents
From:   Dean B. Kazinci, Township Manager

  COVID-19 UPDATE

The Township of Teaneck continues to monitor the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout our region. As Manager, I have an imperative to do everything possible to slow the spread of this serious virus and protect those who are most vulnerable. This is a difficult and extraordinary situation, and I recognize that people throughout our community, including our workforce, are concerned for their personal health and that of their families and friends.

Teaneck currently has eight (8) presumptive positive cases of the COVID-19 virus.

As you are aware, Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency, and Public Health Emergency to strengthen state preparedness to contain the spread of COVID-19. County Executive James Tedesco also declared a State of Emergency earlier this week.

The Township’s Health Department is working closely with the NJ Department of Health to monitor the situation closely. Staff continue to proactively respond to any cases that may be identified in our area. The Health Department has fielded hundreds of calls and emails from our residents for guidance and direction.

My office continues to have daily meetings with command staff to provide them with the latest information on the COVID-19 virus to include how it is spread; symptoms; risks; workplace safety; prevention; and, treatment. I remain in contact with the Township’s OEM coordinator, Holy Name Medical Center, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. for preparedness purposes. I am confident Teaneck is prepared for this crisis and we will do everything possible to keep our residents and workforce safe.

Today, Governor Murphy released a statement based on guidance from the Commissioner of Health. Governor Murphy is recommending the cancellation of all public gatherings throughout New Jersey of more than 250 individuals. These measures are being taken as part of a coordinated response to the continued outbreak, and to aggressively mitigate the spread of the virus.

No matter the size of the event, I can’t stress enough how important it is to practice commonsense hygiene like washing your hands aggressively, staying home if you are sick, and keeping a social distance space of six feet.

Again social distancing works and it’s the best way to flatten the curve and prevent the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus.

I made several important decisions over the past two days that will further help protect our workforce and community in mitigating the spread of the virus.

My office released a COVID-19 Pandemic Plan for Township operations to our workforce today. The plan was developed to assist the Township in responding to and conducting operations during a potential Coronavirus pandemic outbreak.

In an effort to protect those members of our community at the highest risk for complications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as the health of our workforce, the Township has cancelled all Senior activities, as well as all recreational programs, including open gym, at the Rodda Center.  The junior sports athletic programs have cancelled their upcoming practices and games until April 1st.

Vantage Health, the Township’s social services provider, will continue to operate without disruption.

All scheduled Court sessions in the Teaneck Municipal Court have been cancelled until further notice.

The Teaneck Library will be closed to the public starting Friday, March 13th. This decision was reached to protect the staff from potential exposures to COVID-19 out of an abundance of caution. The Library’s website will reflect when the Library will reopen.

I have cancelled all non-essential meetings. The website calendar will reflect the cancellations of the various Boards and Commissions.

Effective the week of March 16th, and until further notice, the municipal building will be closed on Friday’s. All staff will work a Monday through Thursday schedule. Hours of operation will be from 8:00 AM to 5:15 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hours of operation on Tuesday will remain 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Rodda Center will follow the same schedule.

Again, these actions will help to mitigate the spread of the virus and allow the Township’s maintenance staff to completely clean and sanitize the buildings when closed. This schedule will remain in place until further notice.

All emergency services remain on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There will be no interruption of schedule for the Department of Public Works.

Teaneck is a resilient community and I’m confident, with the leadership in place of your Council, Manager’s Office, Department Heads, and Emergency Personnel that we will get through this crisis together.

While there is still much to learn about COVID-19, residents should remain calm and vigilant in their personal efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and monitor the Township’s website at www.teanecknj.gov for updated information.

As a reminder, the New Jersey Department of Health has established a 24-hour telephone hotline for residents who may have concerns or questions: 800-222-1222.

Download link: 3/12/20 Press Release Regarding COVID-19