Township of Nutley COVID-19 April 7 Update – TAPinto.net

COVID-19 Update
April 7, 2020 – Revised 11:45am

Nutley Update on COVID-19

The Township of Nutley is providing an update to the community on several important matters, including additional known cases, information on the upcoming Nutley Commissioners Election, and information on a coronavirus telephone town hall with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill this evening focused on small business and unemployment assistance.

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New Known Cases
The Township of Nutley announced an additional 13 new known cases of COVID-19, bringing the Township total known cases to 208 and 7 deaths.

The Board of Commissioners thoughts and prayers go out to all of the deceased and their families. Flags in Nutley and across the state have been lowered to half-staff in honor of all we have lost. No one will be forgotten.

Due to federal privacy regulations, the Township cannot share detailed information on cases and residents should not contact the Nutley Health Department to request patient details.

The Nutley Health Department is working diligently to track any interactions the individuals who tested positive have had with residents, and they will ensure that anyone at risk of exposure is provided with all of the information necessary, including being tested themselves if appropriate.

Nutley Municipal Commissioners Election
From: Eleni Pettas, R.M.C, Municipal Clerk
          Municipal Clerk’s Office

To: All Residents

This is a reminder that even though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #105 ordering elections scheduled for May 12, 2020 shall be conducted solely by vote-by-mail ballots, in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Therefore, the Nutley Municipal Election will be held by vote-by-mail only and there will be NO polling locations open on May 12, 2020.

All registered voters will receive their ballot in the mail.

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back in the return envelope provided.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,
Eleni Pettas

Rep. Sherrill Announces Second Coronavirus Telephone Town Hall for Tuesday, April 7th
Parsippany, NJ — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a second COVID-19 telephone town hall focused on small business and unemployment assistance on Tuesday, April 7th. Representative Sherrill will be joined by public officials who will help answer questions from residents and she will give an update on what she has been doing to support COVID-19 response efforts in New Jersey.

“Every day, I am on the phone with our small businesses, local officials, and residents in North Jersey, and I know the incredible strain they face as we fight the COVID-19 crisis,” said Representative Sherrill. “Our town hall this week will focus on the resources available to small businesses and workers at the federal and state level. We had an overwhelming response to our last telephone town hall, and I hope residents join us again on Tuesday.”

Residents are invited to register for the telephone town hall at sherrill.house.gov/live.

WHAT:         Telephone Town Hall on Small Business and Unemployment Assistance
WHO:           Representative Mikie Sherrill
WHEN:         Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 4:50 PM EST
WHERE:       Residents can register for the Telephone Town Hall at sherrill.house.gov/live.

Safe Distancing Advisory
Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo are advising residents that we remain in a state of emergency and that social distancing practices remain in effect for the safety of everyone.

Nutley Police have responded to multiple locations to remind residents that they must maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from others.

Although business owners have been placing distance markers, signage and protective barriers, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep away from each other.

Chief Strumolo also reminds residents about properly discarding their masks and gloves after use. He also advises that if the practice of safe distancing is not adhered to, officers will be issuing summonses.

“We are all in this together, and everyone needs to do their part,” said Director Petracco.

Keep Nutley Clean and Safe – Properly Dispose of Gloves
The Township has received increasing complaints about disposable gloves being disposed on the sidewalk or street. Doing this not only is illegal and pollutes our town, but also puts our employees and neighbors at risk when they need to clean it up. Please respect our environment and our neighbors and properly dispose of gloves in the nearest garbage can.

How to Make and Wear a Cloth Face Covering
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. Visit the CDC website for more information and instructions on making a homemade face covering: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

How to Coronavirus-Proof Your Home
Life under coronavirus means staying at home as much as possible — but you’ll likely need to make a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy at some point. Download or print this tip sheet to make sure you don’t bring the virus back home with you: https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2020/03/health/coronavirus-tipsheets/coronavirus-proof-your-home/index.html

Testing Facilities
Below is a list of locations in Essex County as well as those offered by the State of New Jersey where residents can be tested for COVID-19. The state testing sites are offering the tests free of charge; private locations may either charge a co-payment or bill your insurance. In order to be tested you have to be symptomatic. The sites are:

Newark (Essex County drive through testing facility)
Weequaic Park
Appointment necessary
www.EssexCOVID.org
973-324-9950

Newark
CityMD Newark Urgent Care
617 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102
862-201-4596
https://www.citymd.com/urgent-care-locations/nj/newark/newark/073
Walk in, no appointment

Cedar Grove
American Family Care Urgent Care
480 Pompton Avenue, Suite 6, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
973.239.2300
https://afcurgentcarecedargrove.com/

West Caldwell
The Doctors’ Office Urgent Care of West Caldwell
556 Passaic Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ 07006
973-808-2273
https://www.doctorsofficeurgentcarewestcaldwell.com/
Walk in, no appointment

West Orange
American Family Care Urgent Care
464 Eagle Rock Avenue, Suite C, West Orange, NJ 07052
973.669.5900
https://doctorsexpresswestorange.com/

NJ State Testing Location – Northern Jersey
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
No appointment, drive in only

NJ State Testing Location – Southern Jersey
PNC Bank Arts Center
Garden State Parkway, Exit 116
Holmdel, NJ 07733
No appointment, drive in only

Nutley Public Schools
The district is abiding by the State’s Stay-At-Home order until at least April 30th, along with most of the country. Based on Governor Murphy’s regulations, the New Jersey Departments of Health and Education, and the Office of Emergency Management, we recognize that we do not have the ability to know when the district will open again, but based on current conditions, we have made modifications to our schedule in an effort to provide on-going breaks and a longer term benefit for all.

The five days of Spring Break will be broken up, giving students and staff one-day off, per week, for five weeks, in addition to the Good Friday holiday. We hope that by shortening the instructional weeks to four days, students and staff, as well as parents, will be able to have some time to breathe.

The revised schedule will include six, four-day instructional weeks as follows:
Friday, April 10 (Good Friday): The district is closed
Monday, April 13: Spring Break Day 1 (district is closed for students and staff)
Monday, April 20: Spring Break Day 2 (district is closed for students and staff)
Monday: April 27: Spring Break Day 3 (district is closed for students and staff)
Monday: May 4: Spring Break Day 4 (district is closed for students and staff)
Monday: May 11: Spring Break Day 5 (district is closed for students and staff)

We will continue to monitor and re-evaluate this evolving situation and provide updates to the community via email, our district website, and social media including when there is a better sense of when we can reopen and return to school.

The meal distribution schedule will also change to accommodate these revisions.

Beginning Tuesday, April 14, pick-up will be Tuesdays and Fridays. Open air distribution will take place at the side of the Nutley Family Service Bureau Annex located at 169 Chestnut Street, Nutley. Students and/or families should look for the white tents. Food distribution will continue until the schools reopen.

Pick up is between 10:30 and 1:30 Tuesday and Friday. 

  • When possible, last names beginning with letters A-M should pick-up between 10:30 AM and 12:00 noon.
  • When possible, last names beginning with letters N-Z should pick-up between 12:00 noon and 1:30 PM
  • Any child under the age of 18 can pick up the meals for the family. Students will receive lunch and breakfast for each day covering Monday through Friday. Volunteers will have families sign for the meals and maintain the roster.  
  • Any adult 18 years or older who is requesting meals will be required to show proof of Nutley residency (driver’s license, utility bill, lease document, etc.) and provide children’s names and ages. Failure to provide the necessary Nutley residency documentation will result in a denial of grab and go meals. 
  • No resident will be denied services from NFSB. The Nutley Family Service Bureau also maintains the community food pantry responding to the needs of those among us who experience food insecurity. If a person or family needs additional food support, they are instructed to call 973-667-1884, option #7. Information is also available on the  NFSB website, https://www.nutleyfamily.org/food-pantry

All Nutley resident children under the age of 18 regardless of school or eligibility for free/reduced lunch are able to be provided with grab and go meals by our food service provider Pomptonian at the distribution location. In addition to fresh meals prepared by Pomptonian, the NFSB has received fresh food and dairy items, as well as household goods from Imperfect Produce, US Foods, and donations from local bakeries and food stores that they are sharing when available.

Parking is free in the Municipal Lot to allow for the safe movement of people and products.

Rabies Clinics Cancelled & Dog and Cat License Renewal Late Fees Waived
As of this date, the State has not extended the due date for renewing dog and cat licenses. Commissioners Rogers and Evans have coordinated our local effort and share the following:

The Free Rabies Clinics for the month of April have been cancelled consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order against group activities. The Public Affairs Office will look to reschedule these rabies clinics at a future date. In the meantime, pet owners, as able, should contact their veterinarian to update their pet’s rabies vaccine.

The $10.00 late fee for pet license renewals has been waived at this time. First and foremost is everyone’s need to practice social distancing and to avoid unnecessary contact. If a pet owner needs to delay updating their pet’s license or needs to update their pet’s rabies vaccine, they should do so with safety in mind. We will get through this together, and let’s not worry about late fees during this health emergency.

To the Township’s Veterans
Commissioner Rogers, who is a retired Naval Officer, understands that Veterans passing away during this crisis may not get a military funeral and that family members may not hear from a military officer. If this is the case with you or anyone you know, please email Commissioner Rogers at commissionerrogers@nutleynj.org with the family’s contact information. The families deserve a call and Commissioner Rogers will personally reach out.

Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety (Police, Fire, and EMS) is fully staffed and will continue to respond to all emergencies within the Township during this pandemic.

Nutley DPW
Parking meter enforcement is suspended until further notice. Please support our local businesses. Based upon most current information, there is the potential for the virus to be in feces and sewage, therefore effectively immediately, DPW will not be cleaning out residential sewer laterals.

Parks and Recreation
All Parks and Recreation activities are cancelled until at least April 30th. Basketball courts, tennis courts, ball fields, and playgrounds are now closed. Parks will remain open for walking and exercising.

Help for Businesses
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) recently announced a suite of programs to help small businesses, including grants and loans. For information, visit https://cv.business.nj.gov.

As part of the federal relief package passed by Congress last week, nearly $350 billion in forgivable loans will be made available to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, in addition to other relief options. For information, visit https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Ball Fields Closed + Reminder to Practice Social Distancing
The Township has observed groups continuing to use ball fields for sports. This creates opportunities for the coronavirus to spread and endangers the health and safety of the community. As a result, the Township has closed all ball fields effective immediately. Parks will remain open for walking and exercise.

The Township urges residents to remain indoors, to minimize time spent outdoors, and to always follow social distancing best practices including maintaining 6 feet of distance from others when outdoors.

Health Department Message
Please make every attempt to check in on elderly and/ or disabled neighbors. If you are aware of anyone that is in need of food and/or supplies, please contact the Department of Public Affairs at 973-284-4976.

The annual Rabies Clinic scheduled for Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14 is postponed until further notice.

Nutley Public Library
The Library is now closed until further notice as per Governor Murphy’s Order.

Governor Murphy Orders

How to Get Updates
Residents who wish to receive regular coronavirus updates from the Township of Nutley can visit https://www.nutleynj.org/emergency-notifications to sign up for the Swift911 system.

In addition to receiving emergency alerts, visit www.covid19.nj.gov to stay informed.

Township Government
Your Board of Commissioners continue to take actions that will allow us to continue to provide services while we follow best practices for keeping our employees and residents safe. Please be patient while we implement procedural changes. At this time, all municipal government will remain open, however no person other than an employee is allowed into any building unless absolutely necessary and an appointment is scheduled in advanced. We encourage residents to contact departments by phone or email.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Residents are urged to remain indoors and to practice social distancing (at least 6 feet) at all times when outdoors.

Individuals can take the following steps to protect themselves:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Health Department
Commissioner Rogers and the Nutley Health Department urge residents with general questions about COVID-19 to visit www.nutleynj.org/health or call the Nutley Health Department at 973-284-4976.

The CDC has identified older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease as being at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC, early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

Residents are asked to please remember that just because a COVID-19 positive person was observed out and about does not mean that the person had symptoms or that they were aware they were positive at the time they were out. If you were in close contact with a person who has tested positive, you will be notified by the Health Department. Close contact is described as “being with the person for at least 10 minutes at a distance of 6 ft or less.”

Close contacts are instructed to self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days since they had contact with that COVID-19 positive person. This is because the COVID-19 incubation period is believed to be 14 days. We thank you for your concern, but it is not necessary to contact the NHD about these observations.

The seriousness of COVID-19 has understandably caused concern among our community. Many calls have come into our Health Department from residents asking who has contracted the virus for fear that they may have been in contact with them. Bound by very restrictive patient protection laws (HIPPA), the identity of these patients cannot be shared with the public.

Please know that the most important part of this process is not identifying those affected, but keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe by following social distancing best practices. Please be respectful of people’s privacy and do not share news of someone you have heard may be affected if you do not know it to be true. This exacerbates fear and creates an uneasiness. These are uncharted waters for all of us and we need to stand beside each other and do everything we can to protect our families and friends.

That’s why the CDC recommends that people at higher risk follow the measures cited below:

  • Stay at home as much as possible
  • Stock up on supplies, food and prescriptions.
  • Take advantage of the delivery options in our community:

(Consider contacting your local supermarkets and pharmacies to see if they have delivery options)

Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.

  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact, and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.

We are committed to staying connected to our older residents during this health emergency and have taken the steps to make regular calls to our most vulnerable seniors at home. We will also stay in contact with regular updates via phone or email.

If you are interested in participating in the Operation Reassurance Program, a senior citizen call program, please contact Cheryl DiAntonio at 973-284-4936.

State of Emergency
The Township of Nutley Board of Commissioners and Office of Emergency Management has declared a State of Emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic. The action will provide the Township with the tools and resources needed to more effectively respond to the situation.

Nutley Department of Public Affairs
The Department of Public Affairs is operating. However, in the interest of public safety and health, access to our office is not available. If you need assistance call 862-333-8595 and a member of our staff will assist you.

Department of Revenue and Finance
All property revaluations have been postponed until further notice.

Nutley Family Service Bureau
The postponement of the 2020 Scouting for Food Drive will have a significant effect on The Pantry at Nutley Family Service Bureau, which receives up to 90% of its annual shelf stock from this community effort.  At this time, we are emphasizing the need for local support in order that NFSB can continue to serve our neighbors in need. Particularly needed are donations of: cereal, peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, rice, pasta, sauce, soups and beans. Healthy snacks for children such as granola bars and raisins are also in demand.

Donations are gratefully accepted in the marked bins on the porch at the rear of the NFSB Annex at 169 Chestnut Street. Additionally, grocery gift cards for the purchase of staples are always welcome. For updates, please visit www.nutleyfamily.org

If you or your family find yourselves in need of emergency support (especially at-risk populations including vulnerable seniors and those with disabilities and underlying medical conditions) please contact the NFSB Main Office at: 973-667-1884

Code Enforcement Department
Going forward, we will maximize the use of our online website, email and telephone service capability. Please use the contact information below to contact our Code Enforcement Department with all inquiries regarding construction or zoning matters. If we are unable to take your phone call, please leave a voice message and we will contact you promptly.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Telephone: 973-284-4957
Fax: 973-284-0071

Email:

Please note: We will not accept applications for permits or zoning approval at the counter in Town Hall. Only essential required permits will be processed at this time.

Permit applications can be filed by email, please be sure to include all necessary documents, such as sub-code forms, drawings, surveys, manufacturer’s specifications, and a copy of the contractor’s license. These documents can be found at nutleynj.org or requested via email.

Payments and permit applications, with the necessary supporting documents, can be mailed to 1 Kennedy Dr. Nutley, NJ 07110, ATTN: Code Enforcement Dept.  We hope to be able to accept credit card payments in the next few weeks.

Uniform construction code and Zoning inspections will only be scheduled, for essential activities, by contacting our office as noted above. The Construction Official will determine when an inspection is appropriate.

Nutley Tax & Water Department
During the next few weeks, we are asking all residents to use our on-line service capability from the convenience of your home. Visit our website www.nutleynj.org to:

If you prefer you can always mail payments to:

  • 1 Kennedy Drive, Nutley, NJ 07110
  • PTR (NJ State Senior Freeze program) forms will be completed and returned to you within 3 to 4 business days

If you have questions, please contact our office as follows:

** Please note when accessing your water and tax account on-line you will need the following:

Tax:

  • Block
  • Lot
  • Qualifier (only if condo or apartment)
  • PIN # (on tax bill) or e-mail tax collector

Water:

  • Account number
  • PIN # (on water bill) or e-mail water billing

Additional Information
The Township of Nutley will continue to provide updates as the situation warrants via the Township website: www.nutleynj.org.

In addition, the Township reminds all parents and students to avoid congregating outside to avoid unnecessary social contact. 

Other Resources

9-1-1 is for Emergency use ONLY!
Do not use 9-1-1 for complaints or questions.
Nutley Police Dept. direct line: (973) 284-4940.