Latest Gloucester Township Coronavirus Updates

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The new coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Gloucester Township, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a Stay at Home order throughout the state. All non-life-sustaining businesses in New Jersey have been closed.

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As of Thursday, there were 84 positive cases of coronavirus in Camden County, including seven confirmed cases in Gloucester Township. There are more than 6,800 cases in New Jersey as of Thursday, and 81 people have died as a result of COVID-19.

On Thursday, New Jersey was declared a Major Disaster Area as Gov. Phil Murphy announced a stunning increase in coronavirus cases: 2,492, as well as 19 more deaths. Two of those deaths were in Burlington County, but officials didn't provide specifics during a 2 p.m. press conference. Read more here: NJ 'Major Disaster' Area: 2,492 New Coronavirus Cases, 19 Deaths

Here are the latest local updates from Gloucester Township:

SCHOOLS

All schools in New Jersey remain closed in response to the new coronavirus outbreak, state officials said. MORE.

Both the Gloucester Township K-8 and Black Horse Pike Regional school districts announced on Wednesday that it will re-evaluate its current remote learning plan the week of April 13, but doesn’t plan to open before April 20.

BUSINESSES

The Gloucester Premium Outlets are currently closed with some restaurants still offering take-out and delivery. Patch has a list of other restaurants and bars that are offering take-out and delivery only here.

HOSPITALS
A recent report by ProPublica says Camden area hospitals lack the adequate number of beds to prepare for a surge of coronavirus cases. Officials are talking about re-opening the Inspira hospital in Woodbury. On Wednesday, Health Commissioner Judith Persichelli said services currently using the building have started relocating to pave the way for use of the hospital by the state.

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES

In-person masses throughout the Camden Diocese have been cancelled and replaced with streaming services, including for Easter.

Gloucester Township’s 325th anniversary celebration has been cancelled. This includes the parade on May 2, the time capsule burial on June 13 and the World Record Attempt Sept. 12.

Gloucester Township municipal offices are closed and the most recent council meeting was cancelled. The library is closed, and municipal court has also been cancelled.

The police department was moved its reporting online, and has taken steps to continue to protect the community amid the outbreak of the virus.