Cranford Cancels Memorial Parade, And Other Coronavirus Updates

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Mayor Patrick Giblin said Wednesday evening that the town won't be able to hold the annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony this year, but the VFW is working on an alternate program.

"We know this is an important tradition in Cranford, but during this extraordinary pandemic we cannot risk the health and safety of those who would march and spectators," Giblin wrote. "As soon as plans are finalized for a virtual Memorial Day ceremony, we will announce it ... Cranford will still continue to honor its veterans."

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Gillian also announced that as of Wednesday, there were two new fatalities of Cranford residents linked with coronavirus, for a total of 75 in the last two months. There also have been 405 confirmed cases of the virus among residents since the pandemic reached the state.

In New Jersey, there have been 8,549 fatalities as of Wednesday.

Last Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy said 460 New Jerseyans had been lost to the virus in 24 hours, an all-time high rate, or one person every three minutes. Tuesday afternoon, the governor said there had been 334 deaths since the previous day, bringing the total that day to 8,244 people.

The state said this week that they will start to tackle the spread of the virus in long-term care facilities, although residents have disputed the death toll numbers that the facilities have reported to the state. This week, the state they will make changes, including bringing the National Guard to some nursing homes to help supplement staff. In other states, the Guard was brought in to help clean and staff their facilities last month.

The state presented an updated list of nursing home cases and deaths on Wednesday. See the list of facilities in Union County and other counties by clicking here.

Giblin, in his nightly report, also noted, "Cranford emergency transport vehicles from the Fire Department and First Aid Squad are cleaned and sanitized after each use and the EMTs are fully protected. It is safe to be in an ambulance. Health officials and our own first responders are concerned the public is generally avoiding a trip to the emergency room. They remind everyone that in a serious emergency, like a stroke or heart attack, time is of the essence. Do not wait. Call 911 for assistance if you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty or showing signs of heart attack or stroke."

Here is more information about businesses, schools, and how to get and give help in Cranford:

TESTING

• The Union County Covid-19 Drive Thru test center has new hours. The center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the center, regardless of their place of residence. Testing is free. To find out more about testing in Union County, click here.

SCHOOLS

• Cranford schools have been closed since mid-March. This week, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey schools will be closed for the rest of the year. He said he was not sure yet about day camps and day cares.
• Cranford schools will close five calendar days earlier than originally intended.
• On April 14, after Spring Break ended, Cranford schools instituted new distance learning procedures and grading policies. READ MORE.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

• Cranford Patch has published a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for local businesses during the coronavirus shutdown. Dozens of submissions have come in. See the directory here.
• The Cranford Chamber of Commerce recently released a video, thanking those who shop local.
• Here's what you need to know about applying for unemployment and other benefits during coronavirus. MORE.
• Read more about coronavirus-related benefits, regulations, and programs for New Jersey small businesses and individuals here.

GIVING AND GETTING HELP

• There are many Cranford resources for seniors, the needy, the hungry, and those who need help for an emergency. If you need help, contact town officials or browse resources via the town website.
• Mayor Patrick Giblin has posted information about where to get tested, about not feeling isolated during social isolation, about domestic violence, unemployment benefits, and more in each nightly newsletter. To read examples of his nightly newsletters, click here or click here and sign up on the town website.
• Here is a story about the local branch of the Front Line Appreciation Group.

Here are statewide coronavirus resources:

• NJ COVID-19 Information Hub: https://covid19.nj.gov/
• General COVID-19 questions: 2-1-1
• NJ COVID-19 hotline: (800) 222-1222

Got local news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. To keep up with local breaking news when it happens, and get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.