Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon Counties Prep Reopening Plan

The Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex County Freeholders are working together to develop a regional plan to reopen local businesses that are struggling financially as a result of the Governor Phil Murphy's shut down orders.

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All three counties are calling it critical to re-start local businesses, as none of the three have received any direct federal or state stimulus money.

“The public is aware that COVID-19 is contagious and can be dangerous. And they understand that precautions must be taken when visiting a business," Hunterdon County Freeholder Board Director Shaun C. Van Doren said. "Let's empower our businesses to develop the tools that both protect their customers’ health and give their customers the confidence that local businesses are safe to visit.”

The three Boards of Freeholders have instructed their Administrations, Health Departments, and other resources to prepare a plan in conjunction with Murphy’s Executive Orders to get their local businesses and the economy back-up and running. Once prepared, the plan for a progressive reopening of the region will be submitted to Murphy.

“As three of the four counties that did not receive funding through the CARES act or any pass-through funding from the state; Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren Counties have been particularly hurt by the shutdown due to the Coronavirus," Warren County Freeholder Jason Sarnoski said. "Restarting our economy is critical to getting us back on our feet and preventing our businesses from closing entirely. Together we will come up with a quick and safe way to do just that.”

Sussex County Freeholder Director Sylvia Petillo noted the reopening of local businesses in a safe and efficient manner is of primary importance.

"The rural character of our region makes this of primary importance especially in light of the fact that we have received no Federal or State funding during the Covid pandemic,” she said. “This regional approach will provide for a unified means of reviving the economy and protecting public health and safety.”

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