'Refrain From Play Dates': Basking Ridge Mayor Urges

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Mayor Jim Baldassare is urging residents to take social distancing seriously during the new coronavirus spread.

"It continues to be brought to my attention that there are still a number of residents: children, teenagers, young adults and parents who are apparently not taking this as seriously as they should," said Baldassare.

Baldassare reminded residents of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the township's Board of Health recommendations to follow the guidelines for sound hygiene and social distancing.

"Please, for the sake of everyone, let's use our heads and not take anything for granted," Baldassare said. "We must take seriously the issue of staying out of congregant settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance. I urge all parents to refrain from 'play dates' with their children until further notice, as well as discourage any gatherings of more than a few people in any one personal residence other than family members. Again, we must take this seriously and need for all parents to get on board and educate their children and young adults accordingly."

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Eight new positive cases of the new coronavirus were reported in Somerset County on Wednesday afternoon. Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the state had 162 new positive tests on Wednesday, raising the total number of cases to 427. There were also two more deaths brings the death total to five. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5)

Of the eight in Somerset County, one was identified in Hillsborough. (See Related: Hillsborough Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus)

Basking Ridge residents who want more information or have questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) should visit bernards.org/covid19.aspx.

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