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

May 20, 2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

Mercer County has reported, as of May 20, 2020, there have been 144 new cases for a total of 6,162 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases to date, and 9 additional deaths for a total, sadly, of 431 deaths in Mercer County. All active cases are either at home self-isolating or admitted to the hospital. The State of New Jersey today reported 1,386 additional Confirmed COVID-19 Cases for a current total of 150,399 cases, and 161 additional deaths for a total of 10,747 COVID-19 related deaths statewide. For all further information and data related to COVID-19 cases, go to the New Jersey official COVID-19 dashboard (CLICK HERE).

It is important that everyone continue practicing social distancing, following the advice and directives of health care professionals and government officials, and using good sense, so we can all get through this difficult period together. We need to remember that the most effective and most caring responsible thing we can continue to do for ourselves, our loved ones and our entire community is to continue to do what we are doing.

If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one during the current crisis, NJMentalHealthCares is available 7 days a week from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. at (866) 202-HELP (4357).

STATE OF NEW JERSEY UPDATES

Governor Murphy on May 19, 2020 announced an Administrative Order (CLICK HERE) authorizing in-person sales to resume at car dealerships, motorcycle dealerships, boat dealerships, and bike shops, by appointment only and with social distancing measures in place.  The Order took effect today Wednesday, May 20 at 6 A.M.

Dealerships and bike shops which resume in-person sales must abide by the social distancing, safety, and sanitization requirements described set forth in the Administrative Order.  The Order states that businesses may permit customers to test drive vehicles, boats, or bicycles sold or leased by the business, provided that the individual is given access to the vehicle alone, or in the case of a boat, with an employee of the business but only when social distancing can be maintained, and the business appropriately cleans and sanitizes the vehicle, boat, or bicycle after such test drive if the customer does not purchase the item.

The Attorney General announced the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has authorized licensed New Jersey pharmacists to widely administer COVID-19 tests to customers, paving the way for thousands of pharmacies statewide to serve as testing sites.  There are 2,239 pharmacies in New Jersey, including retail chains and independent businesses.  The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director last week signed an Administrative Order (CLICK HERE) permitting licensed pharmacists to perform COVID-19 tests at, or immediately outside of, a registered pharmacy, and to administer the tests without a prescription.  

Under the Director’s Order, pharmacists may only perform tests that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or that have received an emergency use authorization issued by the FDA. Consumers are encouraged to ask about FDA approvals before submitting to a test.  Including pharmacists in COVID-19 testing remains important, as the FDA has so far authorized only one at-home sample collection kit that can then be sent only to specified laboratories for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.  That testing kit is authorized to be used by individuals at home only if they have been screened using an online questionnaire that is reviewed by a health care provider.

For general questions and concerns about COVID-19:

• Call: 2-1-1
• Call (24/7): 1-800-962-1253
• Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
• Visit covid19.nj.gov for additional information

PRIOR UPDATES

For prior updates and resources visit the EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP COVID-19 information webpage:
www.east-windsor.nj.us/COVID

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.