[Mendhamtwpwebupdates] Planning for the Holidays & Getting Tested

On Wednesday, Governor Murphy updated New Jersey’s travel advisory and reinforced that people should limit their travel plans out-of-state unless it is for an essential purpose. I know this request comes at a time when many people are used to getting out of town and having big celebrations with their families and friends. I actually just canceled a planned trip of mine, and I kindly ask that you consider these guidelines over the holidays to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community members. If you do choose to travel outside the state, I encourage you to observe a 14-day self-quarantine period and to wait at least five days to get tested when you arrive back in NJ. COVID-19 testing is now widely available, and yesterday, the County of Morris launched two types of at-home COVID-19 testing programs at no cost to Morris County residents or people who work in Morris County. Those who work in Morris County, but do not live in the county, will be required to submit additional proof of where they are employed such as an employee identification card or the employer’s contact information. Applicants will also be asked to provide information about their private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare coverage, but will not be billed for the tests. If you are not insured, you must indicate that and the county will take care of the cost of your test. The nasal swab test is restricted to individuals who are age 18 and older and is restricted to people with symptoms of COVID-19. It will be shipped overnight and you will be asked to follow directions on how to take a sample and return it in a prepaid package. The results are generally available within 48 hours of receipt by the testing company. The saliva test, provided by Vault Health, will be shipped to your home overnight. There is no age restriction, but the testing must be conducted under the supervision of an online Vault test supervisor via Zoom Video Conference. If you test positive, you should quarantine and should contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, you should anticipate a call from a health department official for contact tracing to determine if anyone else was exposed. For more information on this program, please go to: https://morriscountycovid19.org<https://morriscountycovid19.org/>g/>. Additionally, the Township is working on providing additional testing over the next month. Please keep an eye out for an email from us over the next week. Hope you had a great weekend! Sarah Neibart Mayor, Mendham Township