Garwood Declares State Of Emergency As Coronavirus Spreads

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood Borough declared a state of emergency in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

"The times we are living in are truly unprecedented. Therefore, we need to take swift and bold action," said Garwood Mayor Sara Todisco.

The emergency declaration put the following measures into effect:

• UPDATED - Grocery Stores: In Garwood, grocery stores (including ShopRite and Kings) effective Tuesday at 5 p.m. The first two hours of opening each day are only for customers who are 55 and older. "Yesterday’s Declaration of Emergency established certain measures pertaining to grocery stores in our Borough. State officials have been reaching out to municipalities and counties today in an effort to promote uniformity in emergency responses. In respect of their requests, I have lifted the regulations pertaining to grocery stores in the Borough of Garwood until further notice. However, I have spoke with both Kings and ShopRite and both have voluntarily agreed to maintain their first two hours of opening for customers who are 55 and older only. I thank both establishments for their cooperation and support during these unprecedented times. In this health emergency, it is our grocery store, health care, and janitorial workers as well as first responders who are truly on the front lines," Todisco said.
• Public Buildings: All public buildings and facilities are closed to the public.
• Events: All public events and activities are canceled.
• Court: The municipal court is closed.
• Parks: Parks are open. Visitors are recommended to avoid using playground equipment and to maintain the recommended 6 feet of personal space.
• Senior Housing: At The Village Senior Housing effective Tuesday at 5 p.m. until this declaration of emergency is lifted - All non-caregiver visitors are restricted. Caregivers and delivery services are permitted to drop-off supplies only. Residents are urged to stay in their apartments.

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"Thank you in advance for your cooperation during this state of emergency. By taking the necessary precautions and by working together, I am confident we will come out of this stronger than ever," Todisco said.

As of Monday Gov. Phil Murphy announced there are 178 positive cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. Of those eight were in Union County.

Non-essential businesses in New Jersey will shut down beginning on Monday at 8 p.m. because of the coronavirus outbreak, Murphy announced. New Jerseyans should not do "non-essential travel" – such as leaving your home – from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Murphy said. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Curfew: Bars, Restaurants, Theaters To Shut)

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