It's Business By Phone, Email In Brick Amid Coronavirus Concerns

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township residents who need assistance from township employees can get routine questions answered by phone and email, after public access to township buildings was suspended as part of efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

Township officials said offices are staffed workers are available by phone and email, and staffers will accommodate items that are time-sensitive and need a direct interaction.

Public Works sanitation and recycling collections will continue as normal.

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The police department is making changes to its response as well, avoiding face-to-face interaction in situations where phones or the radio can be used, and screeniung callers who require a police response for symptoms associated with coronavirus, taking certain reports over the phone and making sure trained personnel wearing protective equipment have contact with people who have symptoms associated with coronavirus.

Brick Township is a great community filled with strong but caring people. We have been through some pretty difficult events and always prove how resilient we are.

• Phone numbers residents can call for service are as follows:
• Police non-emergency assistance: 732-262-1151
• Offices in the municipal building: 732-262-1000
• Public Works Department: 732-451-4060
• Clerk's Office: 732-262-1001
• Building Department: 732-262-1030
• Recreation Department: 732-262-1044
• Senior Outreach Services: 732-920-8686

In addition, many services can be done online on the township's website.

"This precaution is being done to protect the citizens of Brick Township and the municipal staff," the township notice said.

"We all have an obligation to our neighbors and loved ones to take responsible steps towards fighting and slowing the spread of COVID-19," the township said. "The safety precautions we use in the coming weeks will be immeasurable in maintaining good health and protecting those most vulnerable in our families and community."

As of Monday, there were 178 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey, and three people have died from it, according to the state health department. There have been three positives in Ocean County: a Manchester Township man, a pregnant Toms River woman, and a Berkeley Township man. All are hospitalized, officials have said.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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