State Of Emergency Declared For Haddonfield Due To Coronavirus

HADDONFIELD, NJ — A State of Emergency has been declared in Haddonfield due to the ongoing public health and safety threat posed by the new coronavirus pandemic, officials announced on Tuesday.

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. As a result, the following restrictions are in place throughout Haddonfield, effective immediately:

Residents should stay at home, limit interaction with others, and only travel for food, medicine, healthcare, assisting a family member, or work that is required.

Residents should practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, and avoiding touching their faces.

Residents should refrain from congregating downtown and gathering in groups in order to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus to one another, and to limit the risk of exposure to our first responders.

A general curfew is in place to stay at home between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day unless an emergency requires you to be outside or traveling.

All borough buildings and facilities are closed to the public, including Borough Hall offices, Haddonfield Public Library, Mabel Kay Senior Center, 65 Club clubhouse, Crows Woods complex, Public Works complex, Fire House, and all fields, public playgrounds, gardens, and recreation facilities throughout town.

Public and private schools, pre-schools, and activity centers are closed.

Downtown retail businesses are operating with reduced hours and many are closed, except for certain food, convenience, and drug stores (Acme, CVS, Rite Aid, and 7-Eleven). Residents should consider supporting local business by shopping online or purchasing gift certificates now for future use. Restaurants and breweries are permitted to operate for take-out service and delivery only, with proper health and safety precautions.

Most municipal services continue to be offered, with staff in place with proper precautions. Staff will continue responding to telephone and email inquiries.

Trash and recycling pick up continue as usual.

The Haddonfield Municipal Court, located in the Audubon Municipal Building, is closed through at least March 30.

Suspended services and activities include public library programs, senior citizen programs, recreation programs, youth sports, athletic leagues, and attendance at church services.

The borough has cancelled all public meetings through the end of April for all municipal boards, commissions, and committees. If Board of Commissioners, Board of Health, or Public Safety/Emergency Management meetings are required to take place, they will be done by teleconference and livestreamed for public observation and participation.

All previously-scheduled public events, including runs/walks, field trips, egg hunts, and other community gatherings are cancelled for the months of March and April. Later events are subject to postponement.

Parking at meters and kiosks is free through April 30, and overnight parking restrictions will be relaxed until further notice.

No door-to-door soliciting is permitted at this time.

Residents may contact Borough Hall offices at 429-4700 with important concerns or suggestions. Police reports may be called in to 429-3000. For emergencies, dial 911.

The above is not a complete listing of all restrictions and/or closures and is subject to change at any time. More complete information will be posted on the Borough website at www.HaddonfieldNJ.org, including links to federal, state, and county resources regarding the coronavirus and staying healthy.