Mayor Janice Mironov and Members of Council -- Denise Daniels, Anthony Katawick, Marc Lippman, David Russell, Johnnie Whittington and John Zoller -- Present

May 14, 2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

Mercer County has reported, as of May 14, 2020, there have been 113 new cases for a total of 5,612 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases to date, and 14 additional deaths for a total, sadly, of 374 deaths in Mercer County. All active cases are either at home self-isolating or admitted to the hospital. The State of New Jersey today reported 1,144 additional Confirmed COVID-19 Cases for a current total of 142,704 cases, and 244 additional deaths for a total of 9,946 COVID-19 related deaths statewide. For all further information and data related to COVID-19 cases, go to the New Jersey official COVID-19 dashboard (CLICK HERE).

It is important that everyone continue practicing social distancing, following the advice and directives of health care professionals and government officials, and using good sense, so we can all get through this difficult period together. We need to remember that the most effective and most caring responsible thing we can continue to do for ourselves, our loved ones and our entire community is to continue to do what we are doing.

If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one during the current crisis, NJMentalHealthCares is available 7 days a week from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. at (866) 202-HELP (4357).

STATE OF NEW JERSEY UPDATES

Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 142 (CLICK HERE) on May 13, 2020 permitting resumption of non-essential construction, curbside pickup at non-essential retail businesses, and car gatherings for the purpose of drive-through and drive-in events.  The construction and non-essential retail provisions will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, while the car gatherings provision will take effect immediately. 

NON-ESSENTIAL CONSTRUCTION: The Order permits non-essential construction projects to resume effective on Monday, May 18, at 6:30 A.M.   All construction projects must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements described in detail in the Governor’s Executive Order. 

CURBSIDE PICKUP AT NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL BUSINESSES: The Order permits non-essential retail businesses to allow curbside pickup of goods, beginning on Monday, May 18, at 6 A.M. but businesses must continue to have their in-store operations closed to customers. Businesses which choose to offer curbside pickup must abide by the requirements in the Order, which include but are not limited to the following: 

• In-store operations should be limited to those employees who are responsible for the operations required for curbside pickup;
• Customer transactions should be handled in advance by phone, email, facsimile or other means that avoid person-to-person contact;
• Customers shall notify the retailer by text message, email, or phone once they arrive, or make best efforts to schedule their arrival time in advance. The customer should be asked to remain in their vehicle, if arriving by car, until store staff delivers the purchase;
• Designated employees should bring goods outside of the retail establishment and place goods directly in a customer’s vehicle when possible, avoiding person-to-person contact; and
• Such businesses must follow social distancing and mitigation practices outlined in previous orders, including requiring workers to wear cloth face coverings when in contact with other workers or customers and gloves when in contact with goods or customers. 

CAR GATHERINGS:  The Order states that car gatherings do not violate the Governor’s ban on gatherings under Executive Order No. 107. Examples of such car gatherings include but are not limited to drive-in movies, religious services or drive-through farms or safaris.  Car gatherings will be subject to the restrictions in the Order, which include but are not limited to the following: 

• Attendees must remain in their same car throughout the gathering, unless 1) an occupant needs to get out of the vehicle for their health or safety or 2) an occupant needs to use the restroom;
• The vehicle must remain closed at all times unless 1) there is six feet of distance between other vehicles or individuals or 2) an officer, public official or guard requires the vehicle to open. There is a further exception allowing the opening of the vehicle if necessary for health or safety;
• Individuals organizing the gathering who are not in vehicles must follow social distancing and wear cloth face coverings; and
• To the degree that a gathering requires pre-payment, or seeks donations of any kind, contactless options for pre-payment or donation, such as online or by telephone, must be offered wherever feasible. 

Retail businesses operating in shopping malls are permitted to operate by curbside pickup, in accordance with the other requirements of this paragraph, but staff must bring the goods to customers at the exterior of the mall. The indoor portions of shopping malls must remain closed, as required by the Governor's previous orders.

Governor Murphy today, May 14, 2020 announced rules for BEACHES, BOARDWALKS AND LAKEFRONTS which include:

• Capacity limitations as determined by local officials, which could include limiting the number of beach tags issued or monitoring with technology;
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet, except for family groups, household members and couples;
• No organized games or contact sports, summer camps or special events like concerts;
• Rides and arcades on boardwalks and water fountains and playgrounds must remain closed;
• Restaurants can continue with takeout and delivery only; and
• Regular cleaning of showers and restrooms, which can be opened.

For general questions and concerns about COVID-19:

• Call: 2-1-1
• Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
• Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
• Visit covid19.nj.gov for additional information

PRIOR UPDATES

For prior updates and resources visit the EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP COVID-19 information webpage:
www.east-windsor.nj.us/COVID

Residents are advised to check the Township website at www.east-windsor.nj.us, read E-News Alerts, tune into Community Access TV Comcast Channel 27 and Verizon Channel 38, or call the municipal information hotline at (609) 443-4000, ext. 400, for schedule updates.