23 Mar
2020
23 Mar
'20
3:55 p.m.
Message from Mayor Sarah Neibart
Monday, March 23, 2020
Dear Mendham Township Residents:
Yesterday, Sunday, March 22, 2020, I was notified by the Morris County Office of Health
Management that six Mendham Township residents tested positive for COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Names, addresses and personal identifying information of these residents cannot be
released or shared with the community.
The Morris County Office of Health Management is the lead agency for investigating each
case involving a positive COVID-19 person, including all close contacts. If it is
determined that a resident was in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19, the
Morris County Office of Health Management will contact those individuals. It is important
for everyone to monitor their health and consult with a primary care physician if
exhibiting the following symptoms - cough, fever, tiredness, shortness of breath and
difficulty with breathing.
Our public health officials and first responders are working around the clock to make sure
we are closely monitoring this situation, and I will continue to provide updates as they
become available. An increase in positive cases is not an indicator that our social
distancing methods are not working, but that the availability of testing sites is
increasing. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing, are necessary
public health methods to reduce a sharp incline in cases in an effort to flatten the curve
to reduce the overwhelming burden on our healthcare system. It may take several days to
even weeks before we see the full results of social distancing. Residents are reminded
that a minimum of 6 feet from others is recommended for social distancing.
It is more important than ever to take social distancing seriously and limit your
community movement. As the weather gets warmer and as more people are outside, we will be
monitoring the trails and parks to make sure they are not overcrowded. If you take a
hike, please remain at least six feet away from any companions and do not go out in groups
of more than four individuals (other than family members). Also, please refrain from block
parties and community hangouts. Playdates are also discouraged.
I urge our residents to:
* Stay home if you are sick.
* Limit close contact with people who are sick.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump
* Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday).
* If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at
least 60% alcohol.
* Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces like faucets, doorknobs,
microwave numbers, cell phones, toys, etc.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you
do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
* Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.
* Stay informed by visiting these helpful websites:
Visit New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
NJDOH website: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Morris County Office of Health Management: https://health.morriscountynj.gov/
It is important to remember that this is a newly identified virus and information
concerning COVID-19 continues to evolve daily; therefore, the messaging will change as the
situation evolves. Due to the evolving nature of information, residents are encouraged to
call NJ 211 with questions or concerns about COVID-19 by calling 2-1-1 or call
1-800-962-1253 (24/7).
NJ 211 is New Jersey’s statewide, comprehensive, information and referral service operated
by United Way of New Jersey. Residents can also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text
information and stay informed. To receive live text assistance, residents can text their
zip code to 898-211.
Mendham Township residents can also call the Morris County Office of Health Management’s
COVID-19 hotline at (973) 829-8250. Please note this line is only open Monday – Friday
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.