FREEHOLD – There are 14 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Monmouth County as of 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, officials say.
The hometowns of the patients were not disclosed in the announcement Monday by Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley.
“The Board of Chosen Freeholders is working, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management, with State partners to respond to and mitigate this evolving situation,” said Arnone. He urged residents to continue efforts to defend agains COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, by hand-washing, covering sneezes and coughs and practicing social distancing.
Public access to county buildings is restricted as of Monday, except for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services (MCDSS) at 3,000 Kozloski Road in Freehold. There are protections in place to prevent physical contact between Monmouth County employees and residents seeking services, the freeholders said.
Monmouth County library branches and public programs run by the Monmouth County Park System are closed until further notice. The parks and golf courses remain open.
All Monmouth County employees are available to residents by phone and by email, officials say.
Crisis counselors from the Monmouth County Division of Behavioral Health are available through the phone banks to help county residents who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to the evolving situation.
“Please remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Departments of Health and Human Services. “If you, or someone you know, are struggling with dealing with this unprecedented situation, please call the crisis counselors available at the County’s Health Department hotline.”
The Monmouth County Health Department phone bank is now open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be reached at 732-845-2070.
As more information becomes available, it will be shared with the public and the media. News updates and information regarding County events and programs affected by the COVID-19 situation are posted at www.visitmonmouth.com.
