Dear Residents, (March 19th update)
While we are all feeling the disruption in our day to day lives as a result of COVID-19, we should expect that this will continue for the foreseeable future. Currently we have two confirmed cases of the virus in Gloucester County. Please remember to follow the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) if we are to slow down the spread of this outbreak and return to our normal routines.
Locally we have taken extraordinary steps to do our part to flatten the curve. The closing of all schools, municipal building, and parks, may sound extreme, but if we’ve learned anything from other countries it’s been that drastic measures are needed to manage this situation.
I have had questions about the closing of our parks/playgrounds and mixed messaging. Frankly, we need our parents to do their part and stress to their children to limit large gatherings. We attempted to leave parts of the park open while closing the fields and basketball courts and were told by residents that since one area was not posted “closed” they were able to gather and use those areas. In order to limit this, we have closed “all” areas of the park for the well-being of all residents.
I am asking that we strictly follow the CDC guidelines, especially when it comes to social distancing. Students are not on an extended spring break and we can’t have them gathering in groups for sports, play dates or sleepovers. It has been made perfectly clear by experts that if we don’t follow the guidelines for a relatively short period of time, we will extend this outbreak much longer.
Lastly, if you know of a senior citizen, or “anyone” for that matter in need, who cannot get out to shop, please contact the township building (856.467.2666) and we will figure out a way to get them help. Deputy Mayor Matthias is heading up this process as we will make sure our residents are attended to. The Gloucester County Food Bank will remain open and will assist if the need arises. Please look after your neighbors, if you suspect that they may need assistance do not hesitate to call the township.
I am very confident, as in any crisis, we will get through this together as one community.
Vernon R. Marino, Mayor
