Community Spirit Shines In The Caldwells As Coronavirus Spreads

CALDWELLS, NJ — “How we act in these difficult times will define us.” If that statement from the West Caldwell Police Department is true, then residents in the Caldwells have a reason to be proud of themselves as the state continues to grapple with the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

On Tuesday, police in West Caldwell offered a much-appreciated message of hope, praising the township for a rapidly mounting catalog of good deeds.

“We are incredibly proud of our community’s response in these unprecedented times,” the WCPD wrote. “The acts of generosity and kindness to one another are piling up. So many are working hard behind the scenes to make life a little bit easier and safer for others.”

“How we act in these difficult times will define us,” the WCPD added.

Here are a few of the ways that West Caldwell residents are pitching in for the relief effort, police said:

• People in the community are stepping up to assist the elderly, so that they don’t have to venture out of their homes and put themselves in harm’s way.
• Facebook groups have been created to assist those in need with transportation and supplies.
• The West Caldwell Library staff and other members of the community are reading to children at night, via the internet, to busy their minds and hopefully give parents a few minutes of rest (watch a video here)

“The greatest minds on the planet are working around the clock to develop a vaccine and they are making great strides,” the WCPD wrote. “Our contribution to this fight? TIME. By behaving responsibly and slowing the spread of this virus we are giving scientists the time that they need to contain and destroy this virus.”

“Please support businesses and restaurants that are remaining open,” police continued. “They are going above and beyond to serve this community and maintain a feeling of normalcy when so much now feels strange.”

“As always, we are here for you,” the WCPD concluded. “Whatever the problem, we will figure it out together. Be kind. Be strong. Be West Caldwell.”

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

One local eatery offering outreach in a time of need is Cinar Turkish Restaurant in West Caldwell. According to a Monday social media post:

“Cinar wants to help our community during this difficult time. If you know anyone who is in need of food, we would like to give them at least one meal a day for free. We may have disabled neighbors, old people or poor people etc. in the community. We will do our best in our capacity to take care of them. Please email me at tunc@cinarnj.com. Let's make a list and a schedule to see how we can work it out. All suggestions are welcome… My goals are helping as much as I can to our community and keeping my employees in their jobs.”

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• See related article: Caldwells Coronavirus Update: Schools Closed, Message Of Hope
• See related article: Coronavirus: Seniors-Only Hours Coming To West Caldwell Stop & Shop

The WCPD’s sentiments have also been shared by their peers in Caldwell and North Caldwell.

“Our police officers have made an oath when taking this job that we will help anyone at any time even if there is risk involved,” the North Caldwell Police Department wrote last weekend. “If you see a police officer take a second and say thanks, they all have families too and they spend their time not at home isolated but protecting your families.”

“We are stronger together,” the NCPD emphasized. “We will all learn through this experience and be better prepared if needed in the future.”

In Caldwell, police asked that residents call their neighbors and check to make sure they’re well.

“We strongly recommend that residents limit interactions with other people and avoid crowds, staying home as much as possible,” the CPD said Monday. “These measures are unfortunate but necessary, especially in Caldwell which is a community that prides itself on neighborly connections and support.”

“Please check in with any neighbors who are alone or who may not have access to social media or the internet,” the CPD added. “Together, by taking these measures, Caldwell can flatten the curve.”

• See related article: Coronavirus Concerns Cause Changes At Caldwell Community Center

Caldwell Councilman Jonathan Lace asked residents to help support local businesses during the difficult stretch of days ahead.

As Lace wrote on social media:

“Get your coffee at Rock 'n' Joe Coffee Bar, your ice cream at Gelati Caldwell by Mike, your meats at Caldwell Market Place, your bread at Calandra's Italian Village, your fruits, vegetables, and snacks at Jack's Super Foodtown of Caldwell, and get takeout one night from any of our several restaurants, like Daves Delicious Deli, Sabor Peru, Xunta - Tapas España, Dough Artisan Pizzeria, Eurogrill, Stephanie's Italian Restaurant, Benji's Taqueria Mexican Grill Caldwell, Cloverleaf Tavern, TONY D's Pizza, ASIN Filipino Cuisine. La Famiglia Ristorante & Pizzeria Caldwell . and so many outstanding other businesses. Most of them will deliver at no charge straight to your door. This list is not exhaustive. Caldwell has so much to offer, and every little bit will help support our local economy.”

Do you know about any awesome examples of neighbors helping neighbors in the Caldwells during the coronavirus outbreak? Give a shout-out in the comment section or reach out with local news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, now called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 it and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 1 (800) 222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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