Millburn Coronavirus Updates: Pools, Stats, More | Millburn, NJ Patch – Millburn, NJ Patch
MILLBURN, NJ – As of Monday, a total of 12,176 New Jersey residents had died of coronavirus in just three months, during a time at which people were starting to self-isolate. More than 113,000 Americans have died of the virus in that same period. For contrast, the CDC estimates that 61,000 Americans died of the flu during the entire 2017-2018 flu season.
In Millburn on Tuesday, Mayor Jackie Lieberberg sent out an update saying 140 residents of Millburn have tested positive for coronavirus. “Our numbers continue to remain steady, but that is not without the efforts, precautions and continued awareness of our community,” she wrote the day before. The county of Essex said Wednesday that eight residents have passed away from the virus (see chart above).
On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy expanded his limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings, with social distancing and other regulations still in effect. Restaurants will be able to offer outdoor dining strating this coming Monday, Jan. 15, and salons and gyms can open on Jan. 22 with certain restrictions. See the below updates for more information.
Gov. Murphy said he will allow facilities and businesses to reopen in New Jersey in stages to monitor data and watch for a new spike in cases. At the peak of the virus’ death rate on April 30, 460 New Jerseyans lost their lives to the virus in 24 hours, or one person every three minutes.
Here are other recent local and statewide coronavirus updates:
TESTING
Millburn is set to get a free covid testing site July 2, the mayor said in her letter. Details are forthcoming, or check the Essex testing website for updates. See essexcovid.org.
RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT
- Murphy said pools can open this summer, at 50 percent capacity, and with other restrictions. Mayor Lieberberg said Tuesday, “The township’s Recreation Department is awaiting official guidance from Gov. Murphy’s announcement. Recreation has been working diligently on protocols, occupancy numbers, training and other necessary items. A formal announcement will be made from the township in the near future.” READ MORE.
- Millburn is hosting five drive-in movie nights later this month, with proceeds going to charity. READ MORE.
SCHOOLS
- Superintendent Dr. Christine Burton said in a May 29 update, “One of the most important things we are doing is developing plans for the 2020-2021 school year, in whatever form it may take. We will be following the guidance we receive from the governor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health … We have committees reviewing a variety of scenarios: a future that may take place in our school buildings, or may continue to include virtual learning, or be a blended version of both virtual and classroom teaching.” Parent surveys are located on the school district website.
- Should special needs schools open back up? A local mom says yes. READ MORE.
- Day cares and camps can reopen, with restrictions, starting June. 15. READ MORE.
- A Millburn High School student made a striking video of New York City during the coronavirus quarantine. Check it out here.
BUSINESS/JOBS
- Millburn Patch has published a simple open-or-closed directory for Millburn businesses here.
- Mayor Lieberberg said that businesses with questions can email covidquestions@millburntwp.org.
- Gov. Murphy has said restaurants can provide outdoor dining service starting Monday, with restrictions. READ MORE.
- Murphy said businesses such as salons and gyms can reopen on June 22, with restrictions to be announced. READ MORE.
- Read more about unemployment, small business, and other coronavirus regulations and benefits in New Jersey here.
- The mayor noted: “Turtleback Zoo has job opportunities in guest relations, paddle boats, Treetop Adventure, parking and maintenance, must be 18 years of age. Please visit the link for a complete list of available jobs and how to apply: https://buff.ly/2QWodaV“
LONG-TERM CARE/NURSING HOMES
- New Jersey residents have become alarmed at the high number of residents who have passed away in nursing homes, rehabs, and similar facilities, and have charged that the facilities are undercounting the numbers and not adequately protecting residents and staff. The state has faced questions for weeks from the press about how they will address the problems.
- There is now a state website with numbers for people at individual nursing homes.
- You can report immediate issues with long term care facilities here, or if you suspect coronavirus related misconduct that should be reported to the Attorney General, here.
GIVING AND GETTING HELP
To find out about help for seniors and the needy, contact your town via the website, or look below:
- The town’s confidential food pantry is stocked for those in need. Reach out to Ana Millan, 973-535-7961 X 231 or amillan@millburntwp.org.
- For those seeking assistance with short term emergency needs due to a financial setbacks, you can find out more and apply via www.downtheblock.org.
- Stores in the area are offering special senior hours. Read more.
- The town’s “Shop and Drop” program helps bring food to seniors. Find out more about that and other senior services by calling the number here.
- Mayor Lieberberg wrote in an update, “Every Thursday, Essex County will continue its food distribution service to our most needy. This week will be at Codey Arena with a 10 a.m. start. If you are an in-bound senior without a car, special deliveries will be made. Please check out the Essex County website for details.”
- Saina and Amay Balsara have created and distributed 30-40 care packages each day of healthy snacks and drinks to front line workers at local hospitals. Each day they are personalizing each one with encouraging words of gratitude & drawing artwork on the paper bags. The care packages are being delivered to East Orange General hospital, RWJ Barnabas Livingston, and Rahway Hospital. For updated info email: shik_agr@yahoo.com
- Here is an article on Millburn FLAG to help first responders. READ MORE.
To find out more, contact your town or check for updates via the website.
Here are additional statewide coronavirus resources:
- NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
- General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
- NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222
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