Mayor Janice Mironov and Members of Council -- Denise Daniels, Anthony Katawick, Marc Lippman, David Russell, Johnnie Whittington and John Zoller -- Present

March 31, 2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

Mercer County has reported, for March 31, 2020, there are a total of 268 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Mercer County, with no other information.  All are either at home self-isolating or admitted to the hospital.  The State of New Jersey has reported an increase of 2,196 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases for a current total of 18,696 New Jersey Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, and an additional 69 New Jersey deaths for a total of 267 New Jersey COVID-19 related deaths.   

The statewide process followed locally whenever the East Windsor Health Department receives notification of a confirmed positive COVID-19 individual is as follows:   Township health officials initiate an investigation by personally contacting that individual to identify recent close contacts with the person.  These "close contacts" are then personally notified and informed to take measures to reduce risk, specifically to self-quarantine for 14 days following exposure and to self-monitor for symptoms.

MERCER COUNTY TESTING SITE

Mercer County Drive-Up Testing Site for COVID-19 opened today, Tuesday, March 31, at Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrence.  The Mercer County testing center, developed in collaboration with health care partners, which will initially be open weekdays from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M., is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and only for symptomatic Mercer County residents age 18 or older who have a prescription from their primary health care provider (PCP).   If you are symptomatic for COVID-19 and want to be referred for testing, contact your primary care physician. 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY UPDATE

Governor Murphy and the State Police, on March 30, issued Administrative Order No. 2020-06 (CLICK HERE) amending the list of businesses permitted to operate and clarifying ways in which some businesses may operate in accordance with Executive Order No. 107 as follows: 

• Individual appointments to view real estate with realtors by individuals or families shall be considered essential retail business.  Open houses are still considered impermissible gatherings.
• Car dealers may continue to conduct online sales or remote sales that are consistent with current law.  In the event of such a sale, the car may be delivered to the purchaser or the purchaser can pick up the car curbside or in the dealership service lane.
• In accordance with the guidance released by the federal Department of Homeland Security, effective Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 8:00 A.M., firearms retailers are permitted to operate – by appointment only and during limited hours – to conduct business which, under law, must be done in person.  The NICS background check system will be up and running to process firearms purchases.
• Golf courses are considered recreational and entertainment business that must close to the public and to members associated with private golf clubs.

For general questions about COVID-19, the NJ Poison Control Center and 211 have partnered with the State to provide information to the public on COVID-19:

• Call: 2-1-1
• Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
• Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
• Visit nj.gov/health for additional information

 * * * * * * * * PRIOR UPDATES * * * * * * * * *

 EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Effective Monday, March 23, East Windsor Township CLOSED public access to ALL Township buildings and departments.  Residents are strongly encouraged to conduct business with the Township by telephone, email, and regular mail.  The Township main phone number is (609) 443-4000, the Police non-emergency phone number is (609) 448-5678. ext. 0, and the Township website is www.east-windsor.nj.us.

• EAST WINDSOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING:    The Municipal Building remains staffed (Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.) to maintain services and respond to phone and email inquiries. Drop-off and pick-up boxes are located at the main building entrance.
• EAST WINDSOR MUNICIPAL COURT:   The municipal court office remains staffed (Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.) to respond to phone and email inquiries.  Municipal Court Sessions remain CANCELLED through April 26, in accordance with the Order of the New Jersey Supreme Court.  A drop-off box is located in the building entrance.   For municipal court questions, call (609) 448-3228. 
• EAST WINDSOR SENIOR CENTER:   The Senior Center remains staffed (Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.) to respond to phone and email inquiries. The Mercer County Nutrition Program will continue with modified service providing boxed lunches for drive-thru curbside pickup at the front entrance to the Senior Center. For questions regarding the Nutrition Program, call Mercer County at (609) 989-6650.
• EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY on Ward Street is CLOSED and All Drop-off are Temporarily Suspended until Further Notice of any materials, including electronic recyclables (computers, monitors, televisions), car batteries and tires. Residents are reminded these items cannot be included in regular garbage and should be held until the drop-off facility reopens. Call (609) 443-4000, ext. 215 with any questions about garbage collection or recycling.
• EAST WINDSOR MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY (EWMUA) remains fully operative, however the EWMUA Administrative Building, located at 7 Wiltshire Drive, is closed to the public. Residents can conduct business with the EWMUA by telephone, email, and regular mail. A drop box is located to the left of the front door for general mail and sewer/water payments. The EWMUA also has online payment for sewer/water bills. For further information or questions, visit the EWMUA website (CLICK HERE) or call (609) 443-6000, ext. 7603.
• IMPORTANT REMINDER:   EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP PARKS, PATHWAYS AND TRAILS continue to remain OPEN for walking, running, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.  Playground equipment areas within the parks, however, are CLOSED and have been fenced off to prohibit their use.   Park visitors are reminded to comply with social distancing recommendations.  Park visitors are reminded that group close-contact activities, including games of basketball and soccer, do not comply with state social distancing requirements and ARE PROHIBITED.  Residents are asked to call the police department non-emergency line at (609) 448-5678 ext. 0 to report any observed non-compliance issues.
• All non-essential Township advisory Board and Committee meetings have been CANCELLED through March 31.

EAST WINDSOR REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT remote learning program continues.  Additional information and updates are available at www.ewrsd.org.

NEW JERSEY STATEWIDE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER

Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 107 (CLICK HERE), effective Saturday, March 21, 9 P.M. announcing a Statewide Stay at Home Order until further notice, subject to the following exceptions:

• Obtaining goods or services from essential retail businesses;
• Obtaining takeout food or beverages from restaurants;
• Seeking medical attention, essential social services, or assistance from law enforcement;
• Visiting family or close friends, caretakers, or romantic partners;
• Reporting to or performing their job;
• Walking, running, or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners;
• Leaving for an educational, religious, or political reason;
• Leaving because of a reasonable fear for health or safety; or
• Leaving at the direction of law enforcement or other government agency.

The Governor's Executive Order directs that individuals who have to travel must practice social distancing when possible and should use public transportation only if they have no other feasible choice.

NEW JERSEY STATEWIDE ORDERED BUSINESS CLOSINGS

Governor Murphy's Executive Order 107 further requires that all Non-Essential Retail Businesses, which were previously limited to 5 A.M. and 8 P.M. operations, must now CLOSE (online delivery can continue). The list of Essential Retail Businesses that can stay open is limited to the following:

• Grocery and food stores, including retailers like Walmart/Target that sell food;
• Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries;
• Medical supply stores;
• Gas stations;
• Convenience stores;
• Ancillary stores within health care facilities;
• Hardware and home improvement stores;
• Banks and other financial institutions;
• Laudromats/dry-cleaning services;
• Stores that principally sell supplies for children under 5 years old;
• Pet Stores;
• Liquor stores;
• Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics;
• Printing and office supply shops;
• Mail and delivery stores.

The Governor's previous Executive Order No. 104 (CLICK HERE) signed on March 16, 2020 remains in effect requiring closure of all personal care service facilities, including barber shops, hair, nail and eyelash salons, spas, massage and tattoo parlors, and tanning facilities, as well as public and private social clubs (whether or not they serve alcohol) including, but not limited to, facilities operated by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, and any other social clubs associated with community service organizations.

Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 110 (CLICK HERE) on March 25, 2020 requiring All Day Care Facilities to close effective April 1, except for those that comply with new health and safety guidelines for the sole purpose of providing day care to the children of essential employees in healthcare and a few other service areas.

The New Jersey State Director of Emergency Management on March 24, 2020 signed Administrative Order No. 2020-5 (CLICK HERE), amending the list of Essential Retail Businesses that can stay open pursuant to Governor Murphy's Executive Order No. 107 (CLICK HERE) to include the following:

• Mobile phone retail and repair shops.
• Bicycle shops, but only to provide service and repair.
• Livestock feed store.
• Nurseries and garden centers.
• Farming equipment stores.

All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) agencies, road testing, and inspection facilities will remain CLOSED to the public through at least April 12.  All driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registrations, and inspection stickers expiring before May 31 have been extended by two months.  Most renewals, replacements, changes of address and other transactions can be processed online at www.NJMVC.gov.

NEW JERSEY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

Governor Murphy announced on March 28 Mortgage Payment Relief and Financial Protections for residents facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 related circumstances.  Residents may be eligible for the following relief upon contacting their financial institution:

• 90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments.  Financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19. In addition, those institutions will:
  • Provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
  • Confirm approval of and terms of forbearance program;
  • and Provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief, as practicable, upon continued showing of hardship due to COVID-19.
• No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief.  Financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief.
• Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions.  For at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
• Relief from Fees and Charges.  For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund at least the following for customers who have requested assistance:
  • Mortgage-related late fees; and
  • Other fees, including early CD withdrawals (subject to applicable federal regulations).

For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief CLICK HERE.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE.  Information for impacted businesses, including resources, assistance and regulations is available at the State of New Jersey business portal (CLICK HERE).

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced a series of new programs designed to support businesses and workers facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 impacts.  Additional details on the NJEDA’s programs, including eligibility requirements are available online at www.cv.business.nj.gov.

Resources for Unemployment, Sick Leave & Family Leave

• New Jersey Department of Labor: www.nj.gov/labor
• Temporary Disability & Family Leave Insurance: Call (609) 292-7060
• Unemployment: Call (732) 761-2020 

OTHER RESOURCES

COVID-19 FAQs (CLICK HERE)

Residents are advised to check the Township website at www.east-windsor.nj.us, read E-News Alerts, tune into Community Access TV Comcast Channel 27 and Verizon Channel 38, or call the municipal information hotline at (609) 443-4000, ext. 400, for schedule updates.