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.