Cherry Hill To Close Town Hall, Public Works Due To Coronavirus

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The Cherry Hill Township Municipal Building and Department of Public Works will be closed to the public and non-essential employees for two weeks after a second presumptive positive case of new coronavirus was reported in the township, officials announced on Saturday.

The closure will be in effect from March 16-29, at which time officials will re-evaluate the situation. Municipal court will also be cancelled. The library will be closed from March 15-29.

All essential Township operations — including police and public works — will continue functioning. Emergency services will continue. Trash and recycling will continue to be collected.

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“We will be reviewing all scheduled public meetings, including Township Council, to determine whether they are necessary for the continuation of governmental operations,” officials said in a statement. “Township leadership staff, including our Chiefs of Police and Fire, have been meeting regularly to address and respond to the latest guidance for our community. The Township maintains an Emergency Operations Plan to ensure our ability to continue essential services to our residents, as well as support State and local health efforts.”

On Friday evening, Camden County officials announced that a Cherry Hill woman in her 60s was in self-isolation in her home and was maintaining frequent contact with the Camden County Health Department. Read more here: Second Coronavirus Case Identified In Cherry Hill: Officials

Shortly after that announcement, the school district announced it would be closed until March 30. Read more here: After Second Coronavirus Case In Cherry Hill, Schools To Close

The second case was announced one week after the first case was announced in a Cherry Hill man in his 60s. On Thursday, county officials said his condition continues to improve. These are the only two presumptive positive cases in Camden County as of Friday, although four people at a Cherry Hill Urgent Care Center were quarantined after being exposed to the man the same day he was hospitalized. In this case, the county was able to trace back all the patient's exposures and none have exhibited any symptoms since self-quarantining.

The New Jersey Department of Health has partnered with the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System to open and operate a call center (1-800-222-1222) for public use regarding questions, concerns, and other information related to coronavirus spread in New Jersey. More information is also available on the state's coronavirus webpage.

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know