COVID-19 Update - March 21, 2020 - 4:45pm

COVID-19 Update
March 21, 2020 - 4:45pm

Nutley Announces 2 Additional Known Cases of COVID-19

Additional Confirmed Cases
On Saturday, March 21th, the Township of Nutley announced an additional 2 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nutley, for a total of 10 known cases. Statewide, there are 1,327 known cases and 16 deaths and over 140 under investigation.

The known cases in Nutley include men and women between the ages of 20 and 80. 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 Township is working diligently to track any interactions the individuals who tested positive have had with residents, and we will ensure that anyone at risk of exposure is provided with all of the information necessary, including being tested themselves if appropriate.

Unfortunately, more confirmed cases are anticipated in the days ahead.

Drive-Through Testing Facility
Essex County is expected to open drive-through testing facilities mid next week that will be by appointment only. We will share additional details as it becomes available.

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.

The Township has been receiving phone calls and emails from residents regarding rumors about martial law. These rumors are completely untrue. Please disregard rumors and continue to seek information from official and trusted sources. The Township of Nutley will continue to share updates with you as we receive information from our county and state partners. Please see Governor Murphys new order that will take effect 9pm tonite.

Governor Murphy signed and put into effect Executive Order No. 107
This order revokes all prior mitigation executive orders, and incorporates or modifies their provisions as described below.

“Stay at home” order: All residents are to stay at home or at their place of residence unless they are leaving for the following reasons:

  1. Obtaining goods or services from essential retail businesses;
  2. Obtaining takeout or food beverages from restaurants;
  3. Seeking medical attention, essential social services, or assistance from law enforcement;
  4. Visiting family or close friends, caretakers, or romantic partners;
  5. Reporting to or performing their job;
  6. Walking, running, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
  7. Leaving for an educational, religious, or political reason;
  8. Leaving because of a reasonable fear for health or safety; or
  9. Leaving at the direction of law enforcement or other government agency.

Individuals who have to travel must practice social distancing when possible and should use public transportation only if they have no other feasible choice.

Cancelling gatherings: Gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, are cancelled, unless otherwise authorized by the Order (i.e. the activities mentioned above). Through a separate Administrative Order, the Colonel of NJSP will make clear that gatherings of fewer than 10 people are presumed to comply with the Order, unless clear evidence indicates otherwise. Colonel Callahan will have the ability to adjust that number and that rule according to circumstances and facts on the ground.

Closing non-essential retail businesses: All non-essential retail businesses, which were previously limited to between 5 am and 8 pm, must now close entirely (online delivery can continue). The list of essential retail businesses that can stay open is limited to the following (Colonel Callahan has authority to amend the list):

  1. Grocery and food stores, including retailers like Walmart/Target that sell food;
  2. Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
  3. Medical supply stores;
  4. Gas stations;
  5. Convenience stores;
  6. Ancillary stores within healthcare facilities;
  7. Hardware and home improvement stores;
  8. Banks and other financial institutions;
  9. Laundromats/dry-cleaning services;
  10. Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years old;
  11. Pet stores;
  12. Liquor stores;
  13. Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
  14. Printing and office supply shops;
  15. Mail and delivery stores.

Mandatory telework/work-from-home: All businesses or non-profits in the State must accommodate their workforce, wherever practicable, for telework or work-from-home arrangements. If a business or non-profit has employees that must be on site, it shall reduce staff on site to the minimal number necessary to ensure critical operations can continue. Examples of employees who need to be present at their work site include: law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other first responders, cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, information technology maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.

Recreational and entertainment businesses: All are closed. This is unchanged from what is currently in place but the order reiterates these prohibitions.

Restaurants and other dining establishments: All can remain open, but must continue to be delivery and/or takeout only. This is also unchanged.

Pre-K, K-12, and higher education: All continue to be closed to students. This is unchanged as well.

Blanket exceptions: Nothing in the order shall be construed to affect the operations of (1) health care or medical service providers; (2) access to essential services for low-income residents, including but not limited to food banks; (3) the media; (4) law enforcement; and (5) the operations of the federal government or the movement of federal officials when operating in their official capacity.

Timing: The order will go into effect at 9PM tonight to accommodate the end of the sabbath. It will stay in effect until the Governor revokes or modifies it.

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.

TOWNSHIP OF NUTLEY
1 Kennedy Drive - Nutley, New Jersey 07110 - (973) 284-4951
Website: www.nutleynj.org - Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutleynjgovernment

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