Stafford Declares Local Emergency As Coronavirus Hits NJ

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township officials declared a local state of emergency Tuesday to combat the novel coronavirus. Mayor Greg Myhre and Police Chief Tom Dellane made the proclamation to ensure the Township to design regulations for public services to run smoothly.

The declaration also temporarily suspends Stafford's ban on single-use plastic bags. The coronavirus can live on cloth bags for several hours after exposure, officials said. Stores have also experienced supply issues in obtaining bags to comply with the ordinance.

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"A determination was made by Township officials to waive the single use plastic bag ban during the State of Emergency to assist businesses to operate efficiently and to allow residents an easier way to transport goods to their residence," officials said.

Officials have confirmed six cases of the coronavirus in Ocean County as of 1 p.m. Wednesday — none in Barnegat or Manahawkin. Governor Phil Murphy reported 89 new cases Tuesday in New Jersey, increasing the state total to 267. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases

Read the proclamation below:

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