By Allison Perrine
It has been an unprecedented week in the Two River area. The schools and streets are empty. Nonessential workers are stationed at home. It seems the subject of every conversation and newscast is about the unimaginable ways the novel coronavirus pandemic is changing the world.
The numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 are expected to spike as more testing becomes available. As of Wednesday, March 25, the state’s number was 4,402 – an increase of 736 overnight – with 62 deaths. In Monmouth County, there are currently at least 313 cases. The overall positivity rate, of the about 14,000 tests administered, is about 29 percent.
State officials predict that the novel coronavirus will peak in New Jersey in 14 to 21 days. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said people should expect schools to be closed “for a meaningful period of time.” It will not impact graduation requirements, he assured.
At this moment, the New Jersey health care system is meeting the needs of its patients who need hospitalization, Murphy said at a press conference Wednesday, but “we must be ready” for the time when the surge comes and that is no longer the case. “Everyone is indispensable. We will fight to save every single life. We will leave nothing on the battlefield in that effort. There is no cost that is too high to save any one precious life.”
Currently, the state has 18,433 acute care beds, including 2,000 beds for those requiring critical care, Murphy said. Over the next few weeks, the goal is to increase the capacity by 2,360. The state is also working to bring closed hospitals back into service. If it does, it can bring 1,360 new beds online, he added. Temporary field hospitals may also be put up in North, Central and South Jersey, which could create up to 1,000 beds that can be activated in the coming days and weeks.
Monmouth County Freeholders are in touch with state officials to provide current information and orders to stop the spread of the disease. The freeholders have also initiated some of their own procedures to flatten the curve and help people in need, like opening a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) drop-off donation site at Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown.
“Health care professionals and first responders remain at the forefront when battling COVID-19 and are in dire need of this personal protective equipment to continue to respond to this unprecedented demand for services,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.
Now, every weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., people are encouraged to donate PPE items for health care professionals and law enforcement officials at the Thompson Park drop-off site, located at 805 Newman Springs Road. Items include nitrile examination gloves, surgical or N95 masks, protective gowns, protective face shields, multifunction no-contact infrared thermometers, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes.
Additionally, municipal officials are now encouraged to conduct business remotely by hosting virtual town meetings. The move follows Murphy’s “Stay at Home” executive order mandating that residents stay home unless they are seeking essential goods or services, or for other specified reasons. The same Open Public Meetings Act rules apply: governments must still provide at least 48 hours notice before the meetings, unless it is an emergency. The public also must be able to comment during the meetings through the equipment utilized.
Fair Haven followed that guidance this week. On Monday, the borough hosted its first online meeting through the Zoom video communication app. It kicked off at 7 p.m. as usual. Residents were able to join through their smartphones or tablets, or by dialing in by phone.
Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone announced that the county is open and operational, though its employees are working remotely and practicing social distancing. While physical access is restricted, the public can make phone calls or send emails to county staff.
One of the challenges that the county now faces is how the COVID-19 disease will impact its tourism industry, which is crucial in the county and throughout the state. As warmer weather approaches and the disease spreads, some people are looking to travel to their summer homes in Jersey Shore towns. Arnone said that is a “major” concern. “I understand the difficulty of staying inside your house. But let’s put things in perspective on what the long-term issue is here,” said Arnone.
Responding to the idea of tourists visiting their shore homes, Belmar Mayor Mark Walsifer said most people who own second homes at the shore and come to Belmar to ride out the COVID-19 situation are responsible and will follow all the rules that are in place. But as the weather gets warmer, they anticipate a larger influx in town as people come to the beach and boardwalk.
“Our Office of Emergency Management has been in contact with the state and county officials discussing these issues,” Walsifer wrote to The Two River Times. “Things are changing on a daily basis and we will take direction from the Governor’s office. The health and safety of our residents, employees and First Responders, as well as everyone who comes into our town, is our top priority.”
Similarly, Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly said the borough will continue to comply with federal and state guidelines. It has also closed its library, borough hall for public use and its playground, and will continue to promote social distancing.
The article originally appeared in the March 26 – April 1, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
