Basking Ridge Coronavirus Update: Closures, Cancellations

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — As the new coronavirus news continues to evolve multiple closure and event cancellations have been announced in the township. Mayor Jim Baldassare also sent a letter updating residents on the current situation on Friday.

Here is a look at what is closing/being postponed:

• The Bernards Township Library will be closed to the public beginning on Monday. They are hoping to reopen on Monday, March 30. Additionally all library programming and community meetings are canceled until Monday, April 6.
• The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge is canceling its Jumma on Friday. "We are all encouraged to pray Dhuhr at home in lieu of Jumma," the mosque stated.
• The "Taste of Basking Ridge" event hosted by the Basking Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, initially set for March 28, will now be postponed until further notice.
• Republican candidates for the Bernards Township Committee, Jim Baldassare and Kate Grochala, free campaign kickoff event scheduled for March 20 has been postponed until further notice.
• Liberty Corner Volunteer Fire Company postpones their Spring Comedy Night until further notice.
• Golf Advisory Committee on March 16 has been canceled.
• Agricultural Advisory Committee on March 19 has been canceled.

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"The health, safety, and well-being of Bernards Township residents has always and will remain my primary concern as well as that of the Township Committee and entire municipal staff. Over the last few weeks, we have seen the coronavirus evolve from a regional outbreak in China to the World Health Organization declaring a pandemic outbreak. The circumstances have been evolving rapidly, and one of the most important things is to stay informed," Baldassare said.

Baldassare is encouraging residents to follow the Bernards Township Health Department on their HealthAlerts.

"It is crucial that we heed the mitigation practices of sound hygiene and social distancing. Good hygiene dictates that we frequently wash our hands, not touch our face, and forego unnecessary close personal contact. Social distancing is the practice of remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance," Baldassare said.

Bernards Township Schools will also close through March 29 and implement a distance learning plan due to new coronavirus concerns, school officials announced Thursday night. (See Related: Bernards Twp. Schools To Close For 2 Weeks, Start Alternate Plan)

Lastly residents were reminded to sign up for the township's emergency RAVE system that sends out immediate alerts on various updates. Click here to sign up.

Developments in the new coronavirus outbreak continue to unfold rapidly in New Jersey now that the number of cases has risen to 29, and one person has died. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know)

On Thursday, the first Somerset County case was announced in Bridgewater. (See Related: Bridgewater Man Could Be 1st Somerset County Coronavirus Case)

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