NJ Coronavirus: Haddonfield School Playgrounds, Fields Closed

HADDONFIELD, NJ — The Haddonfield Public School District has closed all its playgrounds and fields indefinitely in an effort to help prevent the further spread of new coronavirus.

“We want all Haddonfield families to be safe, and we urge everyone to practice social distancing,” the district said in its announcement. “Thank you for your understanding.”

The deadline for the "Name the Giraffe" contest has been extended until noon on May 31. It had been scheduled for March 31. All other events scheduled for “April is Haddonfield Sculpture Month” are postponed. Read more here: Online Contest To Name Haddonfield Giraffe Sculpture Launches

The announcement followed the declaration of a State of Emergency for the borough announced by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. Read more here: State Of Emergency Declared For Haddonfield Due To Coronavirus

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A declaration of emergency allows the municipal government to take certain actions to protect the health and welfare of residents, ensure, the continued operation of borough government during the emergency, and apply for federal and state assistance, officials said.

An emergency operations plan is enacted, allowing what officials described as "enhanced public safety functions." The plan also empowers certain officials and employees to streamline processes and waive rules to address urgent needs during the emergency.

This declaration supplements those announced by federal, state, and county officials, and all of them are in force until further notice.

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